Senior Open postponed as LET sets new date for Saudi Arabia event

Tournament set to take place later in the year

Bernhard Langer is the Senior Open's defending champion. Picture: Getty

While The Open has fallen by the wayside in July, the R&A has not yet decided to cancel all its events in 2020.

The Senior Open, which is also run by the St Andrews-based organisation, has been postponed rather than scrapped for this year.

The over-50s major was due to be held at Sunningdale from 23-26 July but has been postponed due to the continuing threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus.

“We have made the decision to postpone the Senior Open Presented by Rolex following discussions with all stakeholders and with public health and wellbeing the absolute priority,” said Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, the R&A’s executive director – championships.

“We will continue to investigate alternative options to host the Senior Open later in the year if at all possible and will make an announcement in due course.”

Bernhard Langer is set to be the defending champion in an event that is part of both the Staysure Tour and Champions Tour. Two-time Open champion Ernie Els is set to make his debut in the tournament.

Meanwhile, one of the first events on the Ladies European Tour to be postponed due to the pandemic has been rescheduled.

The inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International, the first female professional golf tournament to be played in Saudi Arabia, has been rearranged for 8-11 October.

The new date for the $1 million event at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City was agreed by tournament promoters and owners, Golf Saudi, and the LET.