The British Open has been canceled for the first time since World War II https://t.co/CDWq4pTItM
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 6, 2020
The announcement comes less than a week after Wimbledon, the oldest professional tennis tournament, was canceled until 2021 because of COVID-19 concerns. That tournament also was last canceled because of World War II.
The Claret Jug had been awarded continuously for the past 74 years. The 1945 Open was canceled because of World War II. The Open, the oldest golf tournament, hosted its first event in 1860.
The British Open, which was scheduled to begin July 16, will be rescheduled for July 15-18, 2021, at Royal St. George’s, which was supposed to host the tournament this year. https://t.co/PiwH2Zt6IN
— NYT Sports (@NYTSports) April 6, 2020
The Old Course at St. Andrews, which was to host the 2021 event, will be the tournament venue in 2022, Golf Digest reported.
Two of golf’s other major tournaments -- the Masters and PGA Championship -- have been postponed, while the U.S. Open is also expected to be delayed.
“I can assure everyone that we explored every option for playing The Open this year but it is not going to be possible,” R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said in a statement. “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 U.K. and we have to act responsibly. It is the right thing to do.”
Slumbers said all tickets and other hospitality packages will be shifted to 2021, or fully refunded
Shane Lowry won the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
About the Author