(Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae) ○…There are reports that the “oldest major tournament” The Open may be canceled.
On the 2nd (Korean time), Golf Digest USA reported: “Confirmed by multiple sources”, stating: “The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) plans to cancel this year’s Open due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).” An announcement regarding the cancellation is expected as early as the 3rd. This year’s 149th Open (a total prize pool of $10.75 million) was scheduled to be played over four days starting July 16 at the Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent, England.
The Open has not been missed a single year since 1945, when it was not held due to the impact of World War II. As of today’s morning, England has reported around 29,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 2,300 deaths. Since the end of last month, all golf courses in the England region have been closed. Of the four major championships in 2020, the Masters and PGA Championship have already been postponed indefinitely, and the US Open, which was scheduled to begin in June, is also expected to be canceled or postponed.
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