Senior Open cancelled for first time in its history
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.
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Hide AdIt 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.
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Hide Ad"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.
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Hide Ad“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.
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