Open Championship called off due to coronavirus

They delayed making the call for as long as possible, but in the end it sadly became inevitable.

By Craig Goldthorp

Published 6th Apr 2020, 16:08 BST

Updated 6th Apr 2020, 16:10 BST

Reigning Open champion Shane Lowry will have to wait until 2021 to defend his title (Pic by Glyn Kirk/Getty Images)

The St Andrews based R&A confirmed on Monday afternoon that the 149th Open Championship at Royal St George’s would not be played due to coronavirus.

There had been hope that the event would get the green light, or even be played behind closed doors, but with the July 16 tee off date edging closer the logistics of delaying any longer became impossible.

The 149th Open will now be held next year at Royal St George’s with the 150th at St Andrews pushed back until 2022.

All of golf’s other Majors had already been postponed but there is a suggestion they may be played in the latter part of 2020.

St Andrews