Masters and PGA Championship "Postponed One After Another"... What About The Open?

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "We expect to proceed as scheduled."

Martin Slumbers, Secretary General of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), expressed hope on the 20th (Korean time), saying, "There is still plenty of time, so we believe The Open can be held." The tournament is scheduled to open on July 16 at the Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, England. However, the recent severe spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK means they cannot be completely at ease. He added, "We are closely monitoring the situation and will inform immediately if there are any changes to the schedule."

The first two majors, the Masters in April and the PGA Championship in May, have been postponed one after another. The Open is even more significant as the "oldest major," with 160 years having passed since Willie Park became the inaugural champion in 1860. The tournament's name itself is unique, reflecting the pride of the British, the "home of golf." The PGA Tour respects this and has officially listed it as The Open instead of the British Open since 2013.

Until 2018, it was held as the third major, but last year the PGA Tour adjusted the major schedule, making it the final major of the season. The order is the Masters, PGA Championship, US Open in June, and then The Open. The tournament was canceled 12 times due to World War I and II. Whether it can overcome the variable of COVID-19 is a matter of intense interest. Last year, Shane Lowry (Ireland) achieved a commanding victory by 6 strokes (15-under-par 269) at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland (par 71).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.