Senior Open cancelled for first time in its history

Bernhard Langer claimed his fourth Senior Open win at the age of 61 in last year's event at Royal Lytham. Picture: Getty Images

The Senior Open Championship has been cancelled for the first time in its history due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

The over-50s major, which is sponsored by Rolex, had originally been due to take place later this month at Sunningdale.

It was postponed in mid-April in the hope it might be staged at a later date this year, but that has not been possible.

Instead, the event will be held at the Berkshire venue from 22-25 July next year, a week after the rescheduled Open Championship at Royal St George's.

The cancellation means it will be the first time since the event was inaugurated at Turnberry in 1987 that it won't take place.

“The Senior Open has gone from strength to strength in recent years and we are deeply disappointed to have to cancel this year’s championship," said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at the R&A.

"We are delighted to confirm both the date and venue for the 2021 championship, however, and we look forward all the more to returning to Sunningdale for what promises to be another exciting edition of this prestigious event.”

The cancellation follows a recent announcement that the Staysure Tour, Europe's over-50s circuit, had scrapped its 2020 season.

“The decision to cancel the Senior Open Presented by Rolex was extremely difficult," said Staysure Tour head Mark Aspland.

"However, we would like to thank all of our stakeholders and fans that continue to support us during these extraordinary times.

“We are delighted that we will return to Sunningdale in 2021 for this prestigious championship alongside our valued partners at Rolex, who continue to provide unwavering support for our game, and we will be communicating directly with all ticket-holders in the coming days.”

Bernhard Langer won last year's event at Royal Lytham, claiming the title for a fourth time at the age of 61.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director