The R&A Confirms The Open Cancellation As Golf’s Majors Rescheduled
The R&A has announced the cancellation of The Open, and has confirmed that the 2021 edition of the tournament will be staged at Royal St George’s.
The course in Sandwich, Kent, was due to host the event this year, but it will instead stage next year’s event, remaining the venue for the 149th Open Championship.
Scottish course St Andrew’s was due to host the 2021 event, but will instead host the 150th edition of the competition in 2022.
Martin Slumbers, CEO, The R&A, 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. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for a great many people around the world but this pandemic is severely affecting the UK and we have to act responsibly. It is the right thing to do.
“I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year but it is not going to be possible.”
The news came as golf’s other three majors, the PGA Championship, The Masters and the US Open were all rescheduled for dates in the autumn.
A joint statement, issued by Masters venue Augusta National Golf Club, the European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, the R&A and USGA said: “We remain very mindful of the obstacles ahead, and each organisation will continue to follow the guidance of the leading public health authorities, conducting competitions only if it is safe and responsible to do so.”
The PGA Championship is now scheduled to take place on 3rd-9th August, with the US Open on 14th-20th September. That is now set to be followed directly by the Ryder Cup, which is still scheduled to take place between 22nd and 27th September.
Augusta National, meanwhile, has identified 9th-15th November as its preferred dates to host the rescheduled Masters Tournament.
