World's oldest amateur stroke-play golf event called off for first time in 150 years

Organisers of the Standard Life Gold Medal at Leven Links have been forced to call off Saturday's scheduled 150th staging

The world's oldest amateur stroke-play tournament is unlikely to be played this season for the first time in 150 years.

Organisers of the Standard Life Gold Medal, which is played at Leven Links, had been hoping to stage the historic event over a reduced 36 holes on Saturday.

However, that was subject to Scottish Government guidelines and it has been called off due to the green light not having been given yet for Open amateur competitions.

"Unfortunately we do not believe it will be possible to rearrange the Gold Medal for later in the season, so for the first time in 150 years it won't run," said Stewart Kirkwood, captain of Leven Golf Society.

"Our organising committee are bitterly disappointed that this is the case, but recognise that the coronavirus guidance as it is just now means that a prestigious tournament such as this cannot take place."

The event, which has been sponsored by Standard Life throughout its existence, was a stepping stone for some well-known players when they were still amateurs.

Former winners include Lee Westwood and Andrew Coltart, as well as a third player who went on to play in the Ryder Cup, Swede Per Ulrik Johansson.

Liberton's Kieran Cantley claimed the title 12 months ago with a seven-shot success following rounds of 65-65-63-71.

He used that as a springboard to win the German-based Pro Golf Tour Qualifying School as an amateur before switching to the paid ranks.

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