LONDON: British Open officials have announced that the 2020 tournament has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s the first time since World War II that the golf championship has been canceled.
The 149th British Open was scheduled to take place at Royal St George’s Golf Club in Kent from July 12-19. The British Open is the oldest golf tournament. It’s one of the four major tournaments, which include the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, and The Masters.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club (R$A) chief executive Martin Slumbers said, “The Open was due to be played in Kent from 12-19 July but it has been necessary to cancel the championship based on guidance from the UK Government, the health authorities, public services, and the R&A’s advisers.
R&A chief executive further said, “Our absolute priority is to protect the health and safety of the fans, players, officials, volunteers and staff involved in the Open. We care deeply about this historic championship and have made this decision with a heavy heart.”
The officials also announced that the British open will now be hosted at the same Sandwich venue in July 2021. St Andrews will still host the 150th British Open, but a year later than scheduled in 2022.
Earlier on Monday, the USGA announced that it is postponing the U.S open, which was scheduled to start June 18, to Sept. 17-20.
The PGA championship was also postponed on March 25. It was originally scheduled to begin May 11, but the new start date is set for Aug. 3.
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