Amateur Championship could ‘return to straight knockout format’ at Birkdale

THE first round of strokeplay qualifying at The Amateur Championship and The Women’s Amateur Championship was abandoned late on Tuesday afternoon.

The start of play was delayed by two hours in the morning due to inclement weather.

Following a second suspension of play this afternoon at both courses – Royal Birkdale for the men and West Lancashire for the women – the decision was made to cancel the first round and all scores from Tuesday’s play.

A cut in both championships will now be made after one round of stroke play qualifying to be played tomorrow (Wednesday August 26).

The top 64 players and ties will go through to the matchplay stage. The top 64 players will also progress to matchplay at The Women’s Amateur.

The normal field for the men’s event was cut in half when The R&A decided to abandon its normal policy of playing the qualifying event at two nearby venues.

Providing the first round is completed at both Lancashire courses on Wednesday, the preliminary round and second round will be played on Thursday, with the last 32 and 16 taking place on Friday.

The quarter and semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday with a 36-hole final in both championships set for Sunday.

The men’s winner will secure an exemptions to The 2021 Open Championship and the US Open, and by tradition, an invitation to play in the Masters Tournament.

The women’s champion will be invited to play in the 2021 AIG Women’s Open, and can expect an invite to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which was inaugurated in 2019.

•Tee times for Royal Birkdale are available at www.randa.org and for West Lancashire by clicking here.

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Germany’s Sophia Popov – ranked 304 in the world – completed a fairytale two-shot victoy in the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon. Picture by THE R&A

GERMANY’S Sophia Popov made history with a life-changing two-shot victory at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

She closed with a magnificent final round of 68 to finish at seven-under par and claim the $675,000 first-place prize.

Looking unfazed throughout, Popov, who lead by three-strokes overnight, came into the week ranked 304 on the Rolex rankings.

By the end of it, she became the first German to win a women’s major championship and the highest-ranked player to capture the historic championship.

Popov joins an illustrious list of champions including Sweden’s Annika Sorenstam, Dame Laura Davies, Solheim Cup winning captain Catriona Matthew and Dorset’s Georgia Hall.

Popov said:“It is an incredible story, something I could not dream of a week ago.

“It is incredible that golf allows these things to happen and as one of 144 players this week, I just happened to have the week of my life.

“It is probably the best golf I have ever played.”

After the COVID-19 crisis forced the LPGA and Symetra Tours to shutdown, Popov played the Cactus Tour in America’s south west… she won three times in a month.

And the last of those wins came at.. you guessed it Troon North, at Scottsdale, Arizona.

From Cactus Tour to Royal Troon

THREE weeks ago the 27-year-old could never have dreamed of this moment as caddied for her best friend Anne Van Dam at the LPGA Drive On Championship.

Popov only qualified for the WBO courtesy of a tied ninth finish a week later.

A runner’s-up finish in Arizona last week on the Symetra Tour gave her some confidence – but no one predicted such a triumph, least of all Popov.

She said:“Everyone said, ‘how are you playing in Phoenix the week before The Open?’

“I said, ‘you know, my focus this year was still the Symetra Tour and that was more important to me as far as the Money List goes.’

“And I said, ‘I’m going to stick with the schedule that I had.’ The AIG Women’s Open to me was a bonus and I got here on Tuesday.

“I said ‘I know my game is in really good shape and anything’s possible.’ I think I took that belief with me to every round but I never expected this.”

Popov, who has her boyfriend on the bag, stumbled initially with a bogey at the first hole.

But she immediately bounced back with gains on the second, third and sixth, as Thailand’s Jasmine Suwannapura reeled her in with four consecutive birdies from the fifth hole.

Keeping her nose in front by one, Popov took control on the back-nine, helped by a pair of Suwannapura bogeys.

She stamped her authority on the tournament with a crucial par save from 10ft on the par-four 11^th hole before making birdies on the 15^th and 16^th to take her to eight-under.

Tears flow as Popov realises her dream on 18

HOLDING back the tears on the 18^th green, Popov defied the odds and triumphed against a world-class international field.

And despite a closing bogey, she was overwhelmed when her fellow professionals stormed the green showering her with Champagne.

“I’m glad I didn’t think about the prize money going down the 18^th hole,” she smiled.

“But I was a lot calmer than I thought I would be throughout the day. When I hit the green on the 17th, that is where the tension came in.”

Reflecting on the victory, Popov added: “It feels amazing. There’s a lot of hard work behind it, and a lot of struggles that I went through the last six years, especially health-wise.

“I’m just glad I was able to overcome everything and just keep my head in it. I think we are going to have a thorough celebration at the hotel, social distanced of course.

“But as soon as I get home, it will be a little more extensive.”

Suwannapura’s highest-ever finish in a Major

THAILAND’S Suwannapura recorded her highest finish in a Major, ending the tournament in solo second after a four-under round of 67.

She was followed closely in third by Australia’s Minjee Lee, who completed her week with a 69.

Seven-time major winner and former AIG Women’s Open champion Inbee Park, who won at nearby Turnberry, was a further two strokes back in solo fourth.

The 2015 champion threatened to play a bigger role in the early afternoon with five birdies on the front nine.

Unable to replicate that form on the back nine, Park made two further birdies and bogey on the 12^th to shoot a final round 66.

Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen increased her lead in the Race to Costa Del Sol rankings with a tied 11th finish.

She is more than 75 points ahead of her nearest rival, Spaniard Azahara Munoz, who jumped up from fourth place, courtesy of a top 40 finish.

The top Brit honours were shared between Northern Ireland’s Stephanie Meadow and Yorkshire LPGA star Jodi Ewart-Shadoff and Derbyshire’s Mel Reid, who finished tied in 39th.

•For full results at the AIG Women’s Open click here.

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Dutchman Daan Huizing won the Northern Ireland Open at Galgorm Castle in 2013 – the European Challenge Tour event returns to County Antrim in September

THE Northern Ireland Open will return to Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort in September – helping to kickstart tourism in Country Antrim.

The Challenge Tour event will take place from September 3-6 – with support from The R&A – and offer a €200,000 prize fund.

It will be the first of two back-to-back events on the island of Ireland forming a key part of the European Challenge Tour’s 2020 Road to Mallorca schedule.

The Irish Challenge follows on September 10-13 at a venue still to be confirmed by the European Challenge Tour.

The announcement follows the overall Challenge Tour strategy for the reshaped 2020 season of playing events in regional clusters where possible.

The tournament will be backed by The R&A COVID-19 Support Fund – a £7million package to help golf deal with the impact of the global pandemic.

The R&A’s Fund is providing an additional £300,000 in support of the Challenge Tour in 2020 on top of its existing annual grant.

The Northern Ireland Open will be subject to stringent safety and medical protocols set out in the Challenge Tour’s comprehensive Health Strategy.

It will proceed subject to Government and health guidelines at the time of the event.

The Galgorm Golf & Spa Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s top destinations

Season reshaped by pandemic

CHALLENGE Tour head Jamie Hodges said: “We are delighted to be able to add the Northern Ireland Open to the 2020 schedule as we continue to reshape the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The R&A is dedicated to supporting golf and its additional support this year has been crucial in helping us to stage this event.

“Our thanks also go to Galgorm Castle, a venue that our members know well, and always enjoy playing, and to Tourism Northern Ireland and Mid & East Antrim Borough Council for their valued support.

“While there will be no formal graduation to the European Tour this year, adding events like this to the Road to Mallorca will provide playing opportunities and experience for the stars of the future.

“It is hugely important for our members in the current circumstances.”

Kevin Barker, The R&A’s director of Golf Development, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the Challenge Tour in running this event, and to help to provide the players with another opportunity to compete in what has been such a difficult period for them.

“Through The R&A Support Fund we are trying to provide assistance at all levels of the game from grassroots through elite amateur golf, and on to emerging professionals.

“Following the huge success of The Open at Royal Portrush last year, we are also excited to see this important championship being played at Galgorm Castle, another of Northern Ireland’s outstanding venues.”

The seventh hole on Galgorm’s Championship Course, which will host the Northern Ireland Open again in 2020.

Galgorm Castle Estate a ‘premier destination’

THE parkland Championship Course is nestled in the heart of the 220-acre Galgorm Castle Estate.

It is part of Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort – Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa destination.

It is an established venue on the Challenge Tour, having hosted events every season since 2013.

Most recently the ISPS Handa World Invitational Men|Women, which was presented by Modest! Golf Management, was held there in 2019.

Galgorm Castle managing director Gary Henry said: “We are delighted golf is returning to Galgorm Castle and Northern Ireland.

“The Northern Ireland Open is a real positive for the area. We are operating within stringent government guidelines for an event that will help kickstart the tourism economy and generate significant bed nights and spend by bringing players, staff and media to the local area.

“TV coverage of the event will enhance the message that Mid & East Antrim and Northern Ireland is open for business.”

Leanne Rice, Tourism NI’s marketing manager, said: “We are delighted to support the Northern Ireland Open this year.

“Bringing a European Challenge Tour event to Northern Ireland is a fantastic opportunity for our economy and tourism industry as it starts to recover.

“The tournament will deliver significant economic benefits while providing international exposure for Northern Ireland as a premium golf destination.

“Our golf clubs and wider sector have been significantly affected by the pandemic and we are delighted that participants will get to enjoy our fantastic golf product, with the appropriate health and safety guidelines in place.”

Mayor backs bid to kick start tourism sector

MID and East Antrim Mayor councillor Peter Johnston said: “I am delighted to give my support to the Northern Ireland Open in the world-class surroundings of Galgorm.

“An event as prestigious as the Northern Ireland Open is a major asset for the area at any time. But particularly so this year in terms of helping our tourism and hospitality sectors to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The council is leading on a major tourism campaign to support our local sector, called #RediscoverMEA, and the Northern Ireland Open aligns perfectly with that.”

Following the suspension of the season in February, the Challenge Tour re-started with the first of two dual ranking events in Austria last week – the Austrian Open – won by Scotland’s Marc Warren – followed by this week’s Euram Bank Open.

•The Northern Ireland Open is the next scheduled event from September 3-6, with details of further events from September through to the end of the season to be confirmed in due course.

The Challenge Tour draws on relationships with golf federations and PGAs around the world to create an international schedule for golf professionals from across the globe.

It gives players from developing golfing nations the opportunity to test their skills among some of the most talented up-and-coming stars.

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Japan’s Hinako Shibuno – winner of the 2019 AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn G&CC.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

THE AIG Women’s British Open will go ahead without spectators at Royal Troon in August – because of the COVID-19 pandemic – the R&A has confirmed.

It will be the first women’s Major Championship to be played in 2020 and will be broadcast globally to more than 11 million TV fans.

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno was the shock winner of last year’s AIG Women’s British Open at Woburn.

The rookie beat America’s Lizette Salas by a shot at the Buckinghamshire course which has hosted the event 12 times since it was founded in 1976

European-based players on the Ladies European Tour have had no tournaments to play in since the South African Open – which was won by Hertfordshire rookie Alice Hewson in her first start in March.

And the LPGA Tour will not resume until later this month – a full month behind the men on the PGA Tour – even though their first Major will not be played until the US Open is held in September, after this month’s Open Championshp, at Royal St George’s, was cancelled.

The fifth hole at Royal Troon which hosts the AIG Women’s British Open from August 20-23

Strict health rules for Troon bubble

THE AIG Women’s British Open will enforce strict health and safety protocols including the creation of a bio-secure zone.

Only personnel essential to the championship’s onsite operations – players, caddies, officials, and staging staff – will be inside the zone.

Their movements will be limited to the golf course and a designated secure hotel during the week.

All personnel will be required to return a negative COVID-19 test from an authorised testing centre.

They will also be subject to further daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the secure zone’s integrity and the health of those within it, the R&A stressed today.

The playing of the Championship is subject to the necessary approvals being secured from government health bodies.

“The R&A will continue to monitor the pandemic conditions and work closely with the Scottish and UK governments and the health authorities to ensure the championship is staged safely,” an R&A spokesman said.

But Pre-Qualifying and Final Qualifying events for the championship have had to be cancelled based on health and safety advice.

The field will be comprised of the leading players from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as well as recognising successful players from recent tournaments staged on the world’s leading tours.

Martin Slumbers the chief executive of The R&A

Slumbers delighted Major will go ahead

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers is delighted the UK’s Major championship for women golfers can go ahead next month.

Mr Slumbers said: “The AIG Women’s British Open is important to the success of women’s professional golf.

“We have been working closely with our title sponsor AIG, Visit Scotland, Royal Troon and our key advisers to find a way for the championship to be played safely this year.

“We believe that playing the AIG Women’s British Open is a significant step for players whose playing opportunities have been severely impacted this year.

“As they compete to be the 2020 champion in historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world, who will be closely following events from Royal Troon on TV and social media.”

AIG president Peter Zaffino said: “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of The R&A, the United Kingdom and Scottish Governments to implement the necessary health and safety protocols that will allow the 2020 AIG Women’s British Open to be played under safe and responsible conditions.”

Slumbers had to announce the 149th Open at Royal St George’s was being cancelled until 2021 after waiting “as long as possible” before pulling the plug on the world’s oldest Major in early April.

Scottish Government welcomes decision to press ahead

THE announcment by the R&A has also been welcomed by politicians both North and South of the border.

Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said: “Scotland is the home of golf.

“So it is fitting that we are on course to host golf’s first Major of 2020, the AIG Women’s British Open.

“This is only possible thanks to the dedication of The R&A in working with the Scottish Government and other partners to develop comprehensive plans to allow for an event of this stature to take place, set against the most challenging of circumstances.

“I’m especially pleased we are able to support the return of female professional golf, underlining our commitment to equality across both sport and society.

“Ayrshire’s magnificent coastline will present an outstanding backdrop for the Championship, providing inspiration not only for those watching and dreaming of Scotland worldwide but those here in Scotland, who will be excited to see the return of major events and championship golf.”

UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “It’s fantastic news that the AIG Women’s British Open will be going ahead this summer – and broadcast to millions of fans around the world.

“Getting elite women’s sports back safely remains a top priority – we’re working hard to ensure we don’t lose any of the great momentum that has built up in recent years.”

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Amateur Championship could ‘return to straight knockout format’ at Birkdale

COULD the Amateur Championship be reverting to a simple knockout format due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?

The R&A has abandoned plans to use two courses – as it has for the past 36 years – to stage its traditional 36-hole qualifier, leading to a knockout matchplay for the top 64 players.

Instead of using West Lancashire and Royal Birkdale golf clubs to stage the 125^th Amateur Championship, the event will now be held exclusively at the latter from August 25-30.

With a normal entry of 288 players from all over the world, this year’s Amateur Championship looks almost certain to revert to a straight knockout.

Royal Birkdale cannot physically stage 36 holes of qualifying and five rounds of matchplay – before a 36-hole final on the last day – within the allotted six days.

The only alternative would be for the R&A to slash the number of entries in half – if it wanted to maintain the qualifying format played over the first two days.

The latest changes to the blue riband event on the amateur calendar – which has been won by Hampshire golfers in two of the last four years – were announced on Tuesday.

The R&A would not be drawn on the likely format for the revised championships.

An R&A spokesman told Golf South: “We are aiming to open entries for both championships next week – at which time the terms of competition will be published.

“We are in the process of finalising our arrangements for both events and will be able to confirm these next week.”

Corhampton’s Scott Gregory with his 2017 Masters invite after winning the 2016 Amateur Championship, beating Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre in the final at Royal Porthcawl.
Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

Using Lancashire venues allows R&A to ‘concentrate its resources’

WITH the rejigged England Golf schedule, the country’s top amateurs will have a run playing the Brabazon Trophy – two weeks after the English Amateur Championship at Woodhall Spa – followed by The Amateur at Royal Birkdale.

The winner of The Amateur would normally play in that summer’s Open Championship, and traditionally receives an invite to The Masters the following April, before also being offered a place in that year’s US Open.

The Women’s Amateur winner normally earns a start in the Women’s British Open – the 2020 Major is scheduled to be played the weekend before at Royal Troon.

What exemptions the 2020 winners of both Amateur Championships will earn has not yet been announced.

R&A executive director Duncan Weir said: “We have been working hard to make sure we can deliver The Amateur and Women’s Amateur championships in August in as safe a manner as possible for players and officials.

“With that in mind, we plan to stage both championships at neighbouring venues in the north west of England so we can concentrate our resources in one area.

“We look forward to staging these great championships which will provide an opportunity for the leading players to compete at the highest level and – if eligible – stake their claims for places in the Walker and Curtis cups as well as other international matches next year.”

Both championships were moved back from their respective dates in June to August at the end of April.

The stunning West Lancashire Golf Club, which will now host The Women’s Amateur Championship from August 25-29, after The R&A switched it from Kilmarnock (Barassie)

Women’s Amateur switches to West Lancashire from Barassie

WHILE West Lancashire will play no role in the Amateur, it will now host the Women’s Amateur Championship instead, over the same week.

West Cornwall’s Emily Toy had been due to defend the crown she won last year at Royal County Down, at Kilmarnock (Barassie) this month.

The Scottish venue will now host the 2021 Women’s Amateur from June 12-18 while Conway GC, in North Wales, will now host the 41st Curtis Cup from September 3-5, next year.

The biennial clash between the defending champions the USA and Great Britain and Ireland, was cancelled back in April after discussions with the USGA.

Mr Weir added: “We are also delighted to confirm the dates for the Curtis Cup match and look forward to welcoming the players of both teams to Conwy in 2021.”

IN other developments, the Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championships – which had been due to have been played in the middle of August – have both been cancelled.

The Girls’ Amateur was won in its centenary year at Panmure GC by Slovenia’s 15-year-old Pia Babnik, while the Boys’ crown went to France’s Tom Gueant at Saunton, in North Devon.

•The Amateur Championship was played as a straight knockout from 1885 onwards until the 36-hole strokeplay was introduced in 1984 at Formby and Southport & Ainsdale.

The final was contested by future Ryder Cup captains Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie – with the Spaniard claiming the famous trophy.

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European Tour player Matthew Jordan passed on tips to amateurs in the England national squads – he was a member three years ago. Picture by LEADERBOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

MATTHEW Jordan watched Tiger Wood and Rory McIlroy win The Open at his home course at Hoylake in the space of eight years.

But he had no notion he would one day join the World No. 1 on the European Tour.

Even 18 short months ago, Jordan could not be sure he would ever make it as a pro golfer.

Now he’s settling in alongside the big guns during his rookie season on Tour and has the world at his feet.

Jordan’s story is truly inspirational and his telling of it proved to be fascinating for the England Golf squad players, who logged in for an online Q&A session.

As a young amateur, Jordan was a slow-burner, making his way steadily rather than spectacularly through the boys’ squads.

Then his game clicked with victories in the St Andrews Links Trophy and Lytham Trophy.

That earned him a place in Great Britain and Ireland’s 2017 Walker Cup team alongside Hampshire’s two Amateur Champions – Harry Ellis, Scott Gregory – and Jack Singh-Brar, who is also on the European Tour.

A year later Jordan turned pro – but with many questions about his suitability for the pro game still unanswered.

Yet a true competitive edge shaped in the England Golf squads soon shone through.

Matthew Jordan won the Hampshire Hog in 2016 at North Hants the home club of England Golf ambassasor Justin Rose. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

From North Hants to Challenge Tour

A COURSE record 63 in the first round of the British Masters at Hillside in May last year – after receiving an invite – brought his name to the fore.

Victory in a Challenge Tour Event in Italy in June lit a fire under him.

And it’s still burning brightly as he waits to make his way on the full tour when the European Tour resumes in late July.

During a relaxed chat with the current England squad players and coaches, Jordan talked about his rise in the game, his hopes for the future, his methods on the course – and his dedication to smart practice routines.

He also admitted his rise was something he didn’t think of as a kid – nor even dare to dream about as a young adult.

“It’s certainly been unexpected from where I was a little over a year ago,” admitted the 24-year-old member at Royal Liverpool GC.

“I didn’t even have Challenge Tour status and I was just trying to play where I could. It happened so quickly.

“I played eight events after I turned pro and hadn’t done very well. But at least I got some experience.

“The big one for me was a Challenge Tour event in Turkey. I shot 62 which was the lowest round I’d ever shot.

“I was in contention all week and then finished in the top 10.

“Then I played in the British Masters and shot nine-under on day one and the confidence built ahead of my win in Italy.

“It all snowballed very quickly.

“You don’t know that until you get there – there is a worry that the guys are on a different level and are loads better.

“I had watched great tour events featuring the top players on TV and then suddenly I’m walking into a venue and joining these guys on the range. It’s pretty cool.

“As a fan, that was big at the beginning. But I’m trying to do as well as possible and that soon loses its appeal.

“I want to focus, do well, stay on tour and achieve more.”

Matthew Jordan watched Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy win the Claret Jug in 2006 and 2014. The Open is due to return to Hoylake in 2023. Picture by The R&A

How Hoylake heroes inspired Matthew

GROWING up in Hoylake – the location of one of the world’s great links courses at Royal Liverpool – meant Jordan was spoiled for inspiration as a youngster.

As a 10-year-old he remembers being obsessed when Tiger Woods rolled into town in 2006.

Tiger put on a ball-striking masterclass to win back-to-back Open Championships – and his first away from St Andrews.

“I got Adam Scott’s ball on a practice round. And I got Phil Mickelson’s autograph and Sergio Garcia’s too,” said Jordan.

“I didn’t get Tiger’s – I just froze when he walked past and didn’t have the courage to ask. But it stands out.”

Then four years later it was McIlroy who claimed the Claret Jug – on a Hoylake course that had spent 40 years off The R&A’s Open rota.

“It does inspire you,” said the Cheshire county player, who was 18 at the time.

“In 2014, that same summer, I got my A-levels and a place into Uni. But my dad said I should defer and try golf for a year or two.

“I hadn’t thought about it. I thought I’d play the summer and do something else. Maybe study psychology.

“Then I tried it and still never had the thought of where I would end up.

“It was only when I started doing well that the thoughts changed.

“It was a blessing in disguise I didn’t go to Uni when I see what has happened since.”

His big breakthrough, ironically came when winning the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC, in 2016 – the home club of England Golf ambassador Justin Rose.

Matthew Jordan won the St Andrews Links Trophy in 2017. Picture by KENNY SMITH

Valderrama victory Jordan’s highlight of lockdown

JORDAN has had to adapt during lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he has kept sharp – even winning a virtual event when top pros battled it out on online playing Valderrama in the European Tour BMW Indoor Invitational Series.

His next outing is the British Masters at Close House next month as his adventure continues.

“I was happy to chat with the England players as I enjoyed my time in the set-up working with great coaches and learning the game,” said Matthew.

“Hopefully, what I passed on and my story so far can help someone else make the same step.”

And of course when the Open returns to Hoylake in 2023, he has the chance to be part of the history of the Open Championship.

•Royal Liverpool was originally to host The Open in 2022 – before the 2020 and 2021 Opens were pushed back because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It will take place at Royal St George’s in 2021 a year later than planned, with the 150th Open being staged at the game’s historic home at St Andrews, in 2022.

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Wales Golf as urged to golfers to observe the new restrictions on playing which come into force from Monday. Travel must stay within five miles the Welsh Government has ruled.
Picture by ANY HISEMAN / MAGIC HOUR

WALES Golf has encouraged clubs and members to stick within the new rules of play announced by the Welsh Government – due to come into force from Monday.

The changes will allow members of two households to play together – at the discretion of the golf club.

Single players can still play, but also two, three and fourballs will be allowed, as long as they are from a maximum of two households, in any combination.

Physical distancing guidelines and industry guidelines must be adhered to before, during and after the round.

Wales Golf urge all golfers to stick to the Welsh Government travel guidelines, which require local travel only – up to five miles.

Players can travel from England to play on Welsh courses, as long as they obey the local travel rules on entering Wales – which allow unlimited travel for journeys related to exercising.

Coaches: Follow PGA COVID-19 rules

COACHING by a PGA professional will be allowed outdoors and with appropriate social distancing.

It is recommended PGA professionals complete a comprehensive risk assessment and refer to coaching guidelines on the PGA COVID-19 Resource Hub.

Some outdoor driving ranges may be able to open, but all such facilities will need to work with relevant authorities and conduct a full risk assessment.

Golf retail shops are currently not on the Welsh Government list of premises that can open for retail purposes.

Therefore, they must remain closed. Golf retailers are encouraged to prepare over the next three weeks ahead of the next review.

Essential access to a building such as a professional shop for clubs that operate a booking system to regulate tee times, registration, and take payment, is permissible – provided appropriate social distancing precautionary measures are put in place.

Further information from Wales Golf along with club guidance can be found clicking here.

More detailed information has been sent directly to clubs, who were told to close by Wales Golf on March 23 – when the UK Government introduced the lockdown to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Wales Golf’s Richard Dixon. Picture by
STEVE POPE / SPORTING WALES

Wales Golf chief thanks golfers for efforts

WALES Golf chief executive Richard Dixon said: “We would like to thank all those golfers, volunteers, club officials and staff who have worked so hard to ensure the return to play has gone smoothly so far.

“The Welsh Government rules have been loosened slightly to allow players from two households to play together, but all the R&A protocols of play and Welsh Government guidance still apply.

“We would urge golfers to check if they can play within the Welsh Government travel guidelines, to abide by the new rules when they come into practice on Monday and maintain a safe approach.”

WELSH CLUBS ASKED TO WAIT A WEEK BEFORE RE-OPENING

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The R&A will use the COVID-19 Support Fund to invest £7million through the national associations and affiliated bodies in the UK. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN/ AMG PICTURES

THE £7million R&A COVID-19 Support Fund has been launched by the game’s governing body to help golf deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The fund will be largely aimed at national associations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland.

With the global pandemic leading to widespread temporary course closures and drastic reductions in domestic and international travel, many golf clubs and facilities are facing serious financial difficulties.

The fund is being provided to help The R&A’s affiliated national associations to support those clubs and facilities – although some of the money may be used for other activities key to the future health of the sport.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: “The pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on golf and many clubs are facing dire financial situations through no fault of their own.

“Golf is in our DNA and we want to see the sport continue to thrive from grassroots right through to the top level on the professional tours.

“We have a responsibility to do what we can to help in such a crisis.

“The R&A Covid-19 Support Fund will enable national associations and other key bodies to provide support to some of their members.

“We know many challenges lie ahead but club golf is the bedrock of our sport and hopefully this fund will help to begin the process of recovery.”

The R&A is working with its national associations – including England Golf, Wales Golf and Scottish Golf – and other selected organisations on communications.

Each body is responsible for controlling and allocating its share from the support fund.

Open’s profits fund development

•The R&A reinvests the proceeds from the success of The Open – golf’s oldest Major championship – to grow and support golf around the world.

It already provides financial support to a wide range of organisations in addition to national associations, including the European Tour, the Ladies European Tour (LET), the PGA of Great Britain and Ireland and the Golf Foundation charity.

The 149th Open Championship, which was due to be held at Royal St George’s, in July, was cancelled last month – it has been reported that the R&A was insured against such an eventuality,

There has been widespread speculation on how hard the COVID-19 crisis has hit the finances of the European Tour, which has been forced to postpone or cancel more than four months’ worth of tournaments so far in 2020.

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Last year’s Amateur Championship winner James Sugrue. The R&A will hold the 2020 event at Royal Birkdale in August if COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed by then. Picture by R&A

THE R&A has published a rearranged schedule for its 2020 amateur championships – but all of its international matches between Europe and Great Britain and Ireland, and the Home Internationals have been cancelled.

The R&A’s two biggest junior events – the Boys’ and Girls’ Amateur Championships – will go ahead as planned in August, while three of its biggest adult competitions have been moved from earlier in the summer to late August

The R&A Seniors Championship – which traditionally attracts a strong entry from the USA and Europe has been put back to late September from its traditional slot in late July.

With the exception of the Curtis Cup clash between the USA and Great Britain and Ireland’s elite women amateurs – which has been postponed until 2021 – all other international matches scheduled in 2020 have been cancelled.

All six major championships will be played at their original venues – and are dependent on the COVID-19 situation, the R&A stressed.

The full list is as follows:–

• The R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship Southport & Ainsdale, Lancs, will be played from August 11-15 as scheduled
• The R&A Boys’ Amateur Championship at Moortown and Alwoodley, Yorks, will be played from August 11-16 as scheduled
• The R&A Women’s Senior Amateur Championship at Ashridge, Herts, will be played from August 19-21 as scheduled
• The Women’s Amateur Championship at Kilmarnock (Barassie) has been rescheduled from June 23-27 to August 25-29
• The Amateur Championship at Royal Birkdale and West Lancashire has been rescheduled from June 15-20 to August 25-30
• The R&A Senior Amateur Championship at Royal Cinque Ports, Deal, has been rescheduled from July 29-31 to September 23-25

The revised schedule for the championships will only go ahead if the restrictions introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic allow.

An R&A spokesman said: “We will continue to follow the guidance from the UK Government, health authorities and our own medical consultants.”

The R&A Junior Open, which was due to be played from 13-15 July at Kent’s Littlestone GC, from July 13-15 – in the build up to the 149th Open at Royal St George’s – has been cancelled along with The Open Championship at nearby Sandwich (July 16-19).

The following amateur international matches have all been cancelled:–

• St Andrews Trophy – GB&I v Europe – Royal Porthcawl (July 23-24)
• R&A Boys’ Home Internationals, Killarney (Aug 4-6)
• R&A Women’s and Girls’ Home Internationals, Royal St David’s (Aug 5&7)
• Junior Vagliano Trophy and Jacques Leglise Trophy – GB&I v Europe – Blairgowrie (Lansdowne), Aug 28-29
• R&A Men’s and Women’s Senior Home Internationals West Kilbride, (Sept 29-Oct 1)

St Andrews Trophy has produced 26 Ryder Cup since first GB&I v Europe match at Wentworth in 1956

The winning Continent of Europe team that won the St Andrews Trophy at Finland’s Linna Golf in 2018. Picture by JAN KRUGER R&A / GETTY IMAGES

THE biennial St Andrews Trophy – jointly arranged with the European Golf Association – between the GB&I men’s team and Continental Europe was called off last month.

The match has seen many GB&I players go on to feature in the Walker Cup against the USA. It was due to be played at Royal Porthcawl, from July 23-24.

And 26 members from both St Andrews’ teams have featured in Ryder Cups over the past 60 years.

That list includes the likes of Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Francesco Molinairi and his brother Edoardo, Darren Clarke, Jose Maria Olazabal, Padraig Harrington, Colin Montgomery, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, Sandy Lyle and Thomas Bjørn.

It dates back to 1956 and GB&I won 19 of the first 22 matches. Since 2000, GB&I have won the match six times with Europe claiming three of the last matches.

The first match was played at Wentworth’s West Course with Gerald Micklem captaining the GB&I team.

The current Walker Cup captain has traditionally led the GB&I team as part of their preparations to play against the USA the following year.

In 2018, Finland’s Sami Valimaki, who won the Oman Open in February, was on the winning Continental Europe team

The first tie in the event’s history – at Prince’s in 2016 – saw GB&I retain the trophy. GB&I now lead 25-6 overall.

The 2022 St Andrews Trophy is set to be played at Penati, in Slovakia.

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England Golf’s new chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson is urging golfers to be patient while waiting for golf courses to reopen. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN / AMG PICTURES

England Golf’s chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson has written a letter to golf club members across the country about the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak affecting thousands of members.

Golf in England has never before faced so many difficult challenges, and in such a short space of time as it has done since restrictions were put in place to combat the threat of COVID-19.

The unprecedented, but necessary, decision to close England’s Golf courses, from March 23 onwards, has had a profound effect on our game.

This was not a call we took pleasure in making – however, it remains the correct and responsible decision during a global pandemic and at a time of national emergency.

Throughout this period of disruption, however, England Golf has never shied away from facing this crisis head on by working for and on behalf of our clubs and counties.

Much of this work has, necessarily, gone on quietly behind the scenes.

Even though we took the decision to furlough the majority of our staff, a core workforce has remained to act on behalf of our stakeholders and champion golf’s cause – while being respectful of the wider public health concerns.

From the outset, we have worked in partnership with the other home unions, industry partners, The R&A and collaboratively with the PGA, BIGGA and GCMA on a number of golf-related matters.

One example is the production of an essential maintenance guide for greenkeepers in order that courses may be cared for at a level that will allow the game to return when it is safe to do so.

We have also been proactive in our dealing with government and, in particular, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Topics have included:–

• Making our view clear to the DCMS on the issue of public access to golf course land
• Lobbying government on the rateable value loophole that has prevented golf clubs potentially accessing funds

England Golf producing new guides

Of course, there remains a great appetite to discover the date when it may be safe for golf to return.

England Golf will continue to work in support of government and with them to move towards that day.

When golf does return, this great game of ours must be ready to do so in an organised and responsible manner.

The enthusiasm for golf’s return after an enforced hiatus is to be embraced.

However, it is important that everyone who loves the game is guided by the simple message – Play Safe, Stay Safe.

England Golf will soon provide golf clubs with a series of guides to help plan the final steps on the journey back to playing the game.

Marlborough GC’s Jeremy Tomlinson took over as England Golf’s chief executive in January.

While we cannot yet circle a date in the diary, it is right to put in place a proper framework to allow golfers to tee it up at the appropriate time and with the necessary infrastructure already in place.

The following areas will be covered:

• Golfer communications
• Staff and volunteers
• Ongoing business support
• Facility and course management
• Playing the game

It is realistic for golf clubs to expect restrictions on opening of facilities, requirements for social distancing and adaptations to the usual playing etiquette even after any easing of lockdown.

Restarting the game on this basis will be a challenge. There is a key responsibility to balance the issue of public health while at the same time ensuring the vitality of our sport.

Golf will play a prominent role in the nation’s sporting recovery – when the time is right.

By working together, we can make sure this happens with our affiliated clubs and counties at the heart of the matter.

Jeremy Tomlinson

England Golf’s Chief Executive

TOMLINSON TO FOLLOW WILTSHIRE WAY AS ENGLAND GOLF BOSS

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