R&A Announces Return Of E-open Tournament

The R&A has announced the return of the e-Open Tournament presented by Mastercard, which debuted last year in the absence of the elite event.

Golfers and gamers from around the world will be invited to take part in the virtual stroke play tournament, which will take place in July and August.

The e-Open will take place at Royal St George’s, as rendered on the online game World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf. Qualifying rounds will take place from from 12th July to 15th August, with knock-out rounds running from 17th to 19th August before the Grand Final takes place on 20 August.

Players of all skill levels from beginners to advanced gamers can take part, according to the R&A, with last year’s inaugural e-Open obtaining some 145,000 entries from 125 countries, with more than 1.1 million WGT rounds played. This year, ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ prizes will be on offer, including an all-expenses paid trip to The 150th Open in St Andrew’s next year.

John Espley, Head of Commercial Partnerships at The R&A, said: “Following the success of the e-Open last year, we are delighted to announce it will once again return for golf fans across the world to put their skills to the test. Esports continues to grow in popularity and be enjoyed by gamers of all levels all around the world. Open to everyone, the e-Open gives golf fans a unique opportunity on a global platform to tackle the unrelenting challenge at Royal St George’s against other gamers, for a chance to be crowned champion.”