The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is the latest big Irish sporting event to fall victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After a raft of postponements were made on both side of the Atlantic by the PGA Tour and the European Tour, this afternoon the latter has pulled the plug on the Mount Juliet event that was due to take place from May 28-31.
Graeme McDowell was to host the tournament this year, after Paul McGinley had done so in Lahinch to great success last summer, and they were following in the footsteps of Rory McIlroy, who had hosted in previous years.
McDowell last week expressed a slim hope that the tournament, scheduled to be the European Tour’s second Rolex Series event of 2020, could go ahead in some restricted form.
But following further restrictions imposed by the Irish Government last Friday, a postponement was expected.
McDowell commented: “As important as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern.
"My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”
Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “The decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority.
"Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic.
“With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free, added: “We fully support the European Tour in their decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.
"The most important thing right now is the health and safety of all the players, the spectators, the sponsors and organisers, so it’s the right decision”.
