Defending Open champion Shane Lowry has backed the decision to cancel this year’s tournament and told golf fans: ‘The Claret Jug’s safe with me!’
Organisers announced on Monday that The Open, due to be held at Royal St George’s in July, will not take place this year because of the coronavirus outbreak. The Kent venue will retain hosting rights in 2021, with the 150th Open, which will now take place in 2022, still being held at St. Andrew’s.
Lowry won last year’s tournament in memorable fashion, the Irishman sealing his first career major success with a six-shot victory at Royal Portrush.
“Obviously like everybody else I’m very sad and disappointed that the R&A have had to cancel this year’s Open Championship,” he said in a video on social media. “At the end of the day, people’s health and safety come way before any golf tournament.
“I’m sure the R&A have thought long and hard about this and have made their decision based on everybody’s health and safety.
“You can trust me when I say the Claret Jug is going to be in safe hands for another year and I look forward to seeing you all in Royal St George’s in 2021.”
While The Open has been cancelled outright, the three remaining majors are still set to go ahead having been rescheduled on Monday. The PGA Championship is now due to take place in August, with the US Open to be held in September and The Masters at Augusta in early November.
