RUMOUR: The Open set to be CANCELLED due to coronavirus
The Open Championship at Royal St. George's is set to be cancelled rather than postponed, according to Golf Digest, but the R&A has countered speculation with a statement.
The R&A has countered media speculation that the 2020 Open Championship at Royal St. George's is set to be cancelled due to the ongoing coronavius pandemic.
It had first been reported by Golf Digest that the R&A were planning on cancelling this year's Open, rather than postponing it, in order to to collect an insurance premium that they are entitled to if it is cancelled by a certain date.
Last year, Shane Lowry produced one of the most magical moments of the decade when he won his first major championship on home turf at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, but it seems he won't be defending his title this year.
It was reported by Golf Digest that due to Wimbledon being cancelled earlier this week - the biggest tennis tournament of the year - the R&A will follow suit and cancel golf's oldest major.
In an update provided by R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers on April 2, it seems the R&A are still working on postponing the tournament, despite the cancellation rumours.
"We are continuing to work through our options for The Open this year, including postponement," said Slumbers.
"Due to a range of external factors, that process is taking some time to resolve. We are well aware of the importance of being able to give clear guidance to fans, players and everyone involved and are working to resolve this as soon as we can.
"We will give a further update as soon as we are in a position to do so and thank everyone for their support and understanding in this challenging situation."
The Masters and PGA Championship have both been postponed, but the PGA Tour hope to play both tournaments at a later date when it is safe to do so.
It has also been reported that should this year's Open be cancelled, it will not be played at Royal St. George's next year, as the R&A were planning a special 150th anniversary celebration at St Andrews, while the following year in 2022 is scheduled to be played at Royal Liverpool.
