\t\t\t\tDP World Tour stars will be using golf carts during tournament play this week. Here\u2019s why\u2026<\/p>\n
In a highly unusual break from the norm, DP World Tour golfers will use buggies in tournament conditions this week. <\/p>\n
The circuit is heading to southern China for the Hainan Classic<\/a> \u2013 the first event on its Asian Swing \u2013 with a 120-player field headlined by former Open champion Francesco Molinari at Mission Hills. <\/p>\n And in a rule that is typically only afforded to players on senior circuits, buggies will be in operation for the first two rounds of the $2.55 million event<\/a>, which are split between the monstrously long Blackstone Course and the shorter Vintage layout.<\/p>\n That\u2019s because, unlike last year when Marco Penge claimed a breakthrough victory on the tropical island, a new pro-am format on Thursday and Friday will also feature 120 amateur players.<\/p>\n Like this article? See more\u00a0TG\u00a0content in your feed!\u00a0Click here<\/a>\u00a0to add Today\u2019s Golfer as a preferred source on Google.<\/p>\n \u201cPros and amateurs will use buggies across the first two rounds this week for pace of play purposes, and for safety in the need of a storm\/evacuation on the Vintage Course,\u201d a tour spokesperson told TG. <\/p>\n With only pros on the weekend, the final 36 holes will be played on the striking Blackstone Course and no buggies will be in operation. For many amateurs, driving buggies around the Blackstone \u2013 famous in Asia for its dramatic volcanic rock landscape \u2013 will be a welcome reprieve with temperatures exceeding 30\u00b0C at 60% humidity.<\/p>\n For pros, however, it is a significant change to their rhythm during competitive play. Eddie Pepperell, a late entry into the field this week, was not exactly thrilled to learn the news. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s probably the thing I\u2019m least looking forward to because I hate playing golf in buggies,\u201d Pepperell said on this week\u2019s episode of the Chipping Forecast<\/a> podcast.<\/p>\n