Royal Troon will welcome back the Open Championship in 2024 the R&A has announced today, having originally awarded the 2032 Major Championship to the Ayrshire links course

ROYAL Troon will miss out on plans to host the 151st Open Championship 100 years after the famous Ayrshire club first staged the world’s oldest Major championship.

The R&A announced in February that Royal Troon was to host the 152nd Open to mark the historic centenary – but the subsequent cancellation of the 149th Open at Royal St George’s in July has forced the game’s ruling body into a rethink.

With the 150th Open Championship originally due to be held at St Andrews in 2021, the R&A has decided to push its rota back by a year in each case of the venues already announced.

So with Sandwich set to stage The Open in July 2021, and preparations for the Home of Golf to welcome the world’s best players to St Andrews now being readied for 2022, Hoylake will host the event in 2023.

The R&A confirmed today that The 151^st Open will be played at Royal Liverpool, from July 20-23, in 2023, while The 152^nd Open will be played at Royal Troon from 14-21 July 18-21, in 2024.

The famous Claret Jug will be contested at the Kent links from July 15-18, in 2021.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said, “We have been working closely with Royal Liverpool and Royal Troon – and the relevant local agencies – to reschedule the championships.

“We are grateful to everyone involved at the clubs and at our partner organisations for supporting our plans and showing flexibility to adapt their own schedules.

“We can now look forward to seeing the world’s best players competing at these outstanding links courses in 2023 and 2024.”

Royal Liverpool captain Michael Johnson said: “Without doubt the golfing world greatly anticipates the return of The Open after the hiatus of 2020, and Royal Liverpool Golf Club is delighted to fit into the revised schedule alongside our friends at Royal Troon.

“We must thank The R&A for its continued support and look forward to welcoming competitors and spectators alike to Hoylake in 2023.”

Royal Troon captain Desmond Bancewicz said: “Following the most unusual circumstances this year, affecting all our lives, Royal Troon Golf Club looks forward with eager anticipation in hosting The Open in 2024 for a 10th time – and sends their very best wishes to The R&A and Royal St George’s Golf Club for 2021.”

The famous Postage Stamp hole at Royal Troon, the shortest par three on the Open rota.

Hoylake ready for ‘lucky’ 13th Open

ROYAL Liverpool will host The Open for a 13^th time in 2023 – the first time since Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug at Hoylake in 2014.

That was also the last of the four Majors won by the former World No. 1 from Northern Ireland, who turned 30 last year and become a father for the first time at the end of August.

There was a 40-year gap between Argentinian Roberto de Vincenzo’s victory at Hoylake and Tiger Woods’ memorable Royal Liverpool win in 2006 – and his emotional celebration followng the death of his father Earl earlier that summer.

The Open will return to Royal Troon for the 10^th time following Henrik Stenson’s memorable final round duel with Phil Mickelson before claiming victory in 2016.

The first winner of The Open at Troon was Arthur Havers – the Norwich-born pro who was the club pro at Moor Park and Sandy Lodge in Hertfordshire, and Coombe Hill, in Surrey – as well as spells at West Lancashire and Frinton, in Essex.

Havers, who would go on to play in three of the first four Ryder Cups, as well as the first unofficial match at Wentworth in 1926, beat the USA’s defending champion Walter Hagen by a shot.

Future venues:–

• The 149^th Open will be played at Royal St George’s from July 15-18, 2021
• The 150^th Open will be played at St Andrews from July 14-17, 2022
• The 151^st Open will be played at Royal Liverpool from July 20-23, 2023
• The 152^nd Open will be played at Royal Troon July 18-21, 2024
  

  The 2023 Open Championship will return to Hoylake’s links on the Wirral. Royal Liverpool hosted the 2006 Open won by Tiger Woods, while Rory McIlory lifted the trophy in 2014. Picture by The R&A

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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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Georgia Hall hits her tee shot on the third hole at Royal Troon as Charley Hull looks on during a practice round ahead of the 2020 AIG Women’s Open. Picture by DAVID CANNON

GEORGIA Hall hopes to feed off her love of links golf and passion for the AIG Women’s Open as she goes in search of a second Major title at Royal Troon.

The 24-year-old is enjoying the buzz of the first women’s Major Championship of the year.

And its the event Hall memorably won in 2018 at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Given Royal Troon is set to present a similar links challenge, the Dorset player is relishing the task as a star-studded international field prepares to compete from Thursday.

With the AIG Women’s Open being played without spectators because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hall said: “It’s lovely coming to an event knowing that you’ve won it and done the job in a Women’s Open.

“I look forward to this more than any other throughout the year.

“It’s always very special to see all the massive boards everywhere and it definitely feels like a Major.”

The R&A Women and Girls’ Golf ambassador added: “I think it’s an amazing venue at Royal Troon. I love links golf.

“I only bring the three-iron out once a year, and this is the week. So I can’t wait. I’ve heard it’s going to be windy, so it’s going to play extremely tough.”

Hull found some form playing the Rose Ladies Series, winning the £20,000 American Golf Order of Merit and getting in some links practice at Royal St George’s

Hull: Rose Series was good prep

WHILE fellow Solheim Cup winner Charley Hull is more familiar with parkland courses, the 24-year-old has experience of Royal Troon.

The Woburn pro, who hails from Kettering, played it in her early teens as an amateur in the Helen Holm Scottish Open Strokeplay Championship.

“I’m feeling good,” said Hull, who has posted five top-10s in Majors.

“I played Royal St George’s in the Rose Ladies Series about a month ago and that kind of got me in some links golf.

“The golf course is in great condition. The greens are rolling really nicely.

“I like it because it doesn’t look that long on the scorecard. But it has a lot of lay-up holes that leave longer irons into the greens. I quite like that because I’m a strong long-iron player.”

With Royal Troon hosting the AIG Women’s Open for the first time, Hull is especially looking forward to the challenge of the ‘Postage Stamp’ – the short eighth, which measures just 114 yards.

“It’s only a wedge,” said Charley. “It depends on the wind direction, so it’s a good birdie hole I think.

“There’s a lot more tricky holes out there, but it’s a cool little hole.”

Dame Laura Davies, making her 40th appearance in the championship, has the honour of striking the opening tee shot on Thursday morning at 6.30am.

Danielle Kang paid tribute to Dame Laura Davies, who is playing her 40th Women’s British Open this week at Royal Troon. Picture by TRISTAN JONES

Kang pays tribute to Dame Laura Davies

WORLD No. 2 Danielle Kang has been the form player in recent weeks with back-to-back LPGA wins.

Kang, who came up just short in last week’s LPGA Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, in North Berwick, which was won by Stacey Lewis, paid tribute to the most successful British player in modern history.

“Dame Laura Davies is a legend, an absolute legend,” said Danielle. “And she’s a role model in how she approaches the game.

“How she plays the game is different – her style of golf is different. And she’s so strong in how she plays her game, yet so different and it’s so graceful.

“For her to be able to play this championship for 40 appearances, that is amazing. It tells you that you can do it for a long time, and golf gives us that.

“Any time she plays, I still watch from across the fairway. She’s our rock.”

Australia’s Hannah Green can’t wait to tackle Troon. The World No. 20 said: “My mum’s side of the family is from Scotland. They are up in Fraserburgh, which is about 45 minutes north of Aberdeen.

“My first actual trip to Scotland was in 2018, so not that long ago. I was then fortunate enough last year that I got to play St Andrews, but I had not actually been to this side of Scotland.

“I’m really excited to be here. I feel like I do have, you know, somewhat of an idea of links golf. I’m from Perth where it does get windy – but probably not the same scene as Troon.”

Japan’s Hinako Shibuno last year’s winner at Woburn Golf Club. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Cinderella Shibuno went to the ball and is back for more

DEFENDING champion Hinako Shibuno, from Japan, has promised the TV audience will at least see her beaming smile this week.

Shibuno lit up the galleries with her smile a year ago at Woburn, and was dubbed the “Smiling Cinderella.”

Hinako said: “I’ve always been conscious of keeping a smile on my face while I’m playing.

“But after winning the AIG Women’s Open last year, it made me realise, once again, the importance of playing with a smile.

“I’ve had a lot of experiences but nothing that tops my experience of winning the AIG Women’s Open.

“I’m going to have to play smart. But at the same time as defending champion, I’m going to enjoy it.”

Another past winner looking forward to the first Major of the year is Thailand’s Ariya Jutangarn.

The 2016 winner from Thailand, said: “As soon as I walked in, I felt like this is a Major, because everything is set up, especially the golf course.

“My caddie told me how great it is and how tough it is, how challenging it is. I think the first thing I learnt on links is patience.

“You really need to be patient because, especially the weather, you can’t control it. It can be windy. It can be raining. Anything can happen in one round.”

The staging of the AIG Women’s Open continues a rich history at Royal Troon, having hosted The Open on nine occasions.

It has also hosted events such as The Senior Open Championship, the Amateur Championship and the Women’s Amateur Championship.

•For further information visit www.AIGwomensopen.com

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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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Australia’s Hannah Green will now get to defend her KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in October after PGA of America’s announcement earlier this week.

AFTER the KPMG Women’s PGA was moved to the autumn, the LPGA has confirmed it is pushing back its planned date to restart tournaments in the USA

They will now resume in the middle of July, instead of mid-June as originally planned, because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The LPGA stressed its plans to prepare to reschedule a number of events that were postponed in the spring – as the coronavirus pandemic gripped across America – were aiming for a “safe and responsible return to competition.”

Two events are being played in the UK – the Scottish Ladies Open, and the Women’s British Open at Royal Troon – are set for their original dates in August.

LPGA commissioner Mike Whan asid: “One thing that has become clear is there will be no ‘opening bell’ regarding a return to safe play in this new normal of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To be honest, being ‘first’ has never been the goal when it comes to returning to play in this new normal.

“We have built a schedule that we think is as safe as possible given what we know about travel bans, testing availability, and delivering events that our sponsors and our athletes will be excited to attend.

“While July seems like a long way away, we are certainly aware that restarting our season in Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey will require a continued improvement in the situation in each of those states.”

New LPGA events dates confirmed

The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G in Rogers, Arkansas – originally scheduled for June 19-21 – will now take place from August 28-30.

The Marathon Classic in Sylvania, Ohio, originally scheduled to be played from July 9-12, will now be held between July 23 and 26.

The PGA of America announced on Wednesday the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania., set for June 25-28, will now move to October 8-11 at the same venue

Additional changes have also been made to deliver a full LPGA Tour season for 2020, Whan added.

June’s Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been rescheduled for October 1-4.

The Pelican Women’s Championship in Florida’s Belleair – which had been rescheduled to November – will now move back one week later to November 19-22, while the Volunteers of America Classic at The Colony, Texas, will move to December 3-6.

Finally, the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida (originally November 19-22), will move to December 17-20, making it the final event of the 2020 LPGA Tour season.

Due to the limited dates available for official full-field events on the LPGA calendar, the UL International Crown will not take place in 2020.

Additionally, the Volvik Founders Cup, the Lotte Championship, the Hugel-Air Premia LA Open and the LPGA Mediheal Championship, which had all previously been postponed, will return in the 2021 season.

Yorkshire’s Bronte Law, who won the Pure Silk Championship in May 2019.
Picture by GABE ROUX / LPGA

It was confirmed earlier this month that the Pure Silk Championship at Kingsmill Resort, in Virginia – originally scheduled for May 21-24 – will return on the 2021 LPGA Tour schedule.

Yorkshire’s Bronte Law was due to defend her maiden LPGA title at the Williamsburg course.

Prize funds raised to a total of $56m for 2020

THE LPGA also announced increases to the purses of numerous 2020 tournaments.

It brings the total available purse remaining for the year to more than $56million, with players competing for an average of nearly $2.7million per event.

Commissioner Whan said: “Many of our remaining events will feature higher purses in 2020 thanks in part to some of our sponsors, who could not reschedule their events, offering some of their prize funds to increase other purses.

“In what has been a very challenging year for everyone, we are so thankful to our partners for their creativity, collaboration and dedication to helping our athletes get the most out of the playing opportunities they will have in this unprecedented season.”

However, if necessary, further schedule adjustments will be shared when appropriate, an LPGA spokeswoman said.

•As well as a new date for the Women’s PGA, the USGA has moved the US Women’s Open will now be played in December, just before the CME Group Tour Championship.

LPGA Tour’s new 2020 schedule

Key:Major championships in bold

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The R&A has revealed they are drawing up contingency plans for the 149th Open at Royal St George’s, in Sandwich, in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Picture by ANDREW GRIFFIN

THE R&A are working on contingency plans in case the Open at Royal St George’s – and the Women’s British Open at Royal Troon – are unable to be played on their planned dates.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers ruled out the need to cancel the 149^th Open Championship at Sandwich this early – even though many major sporting events around the world have been scrapped this month because of the coronavirus outbreak.

But he did not rule it might become necessary in the coming weeks if the situation in the UK continues to worsen.

So far the season’s first two Majors – next month’s Masters and May’s United States Professional Golfers’ Association Championship – have been postponed.

And the R&A said in a statement released on Thursday afternoon: “We are undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of our plans to stage the 149th Open at Royal St George’s, and the AIG Women’s British Open at Royal Troon, which are four and five months away respectively.

“This includes examining a range of scenarios for staging the championships, with our focus on proceeding as planned, as well as considering other contingency options available to us.”

R&A chief Mr Slumbers said: “Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of players, fans, officials, staff and all involved in our championships and that will be at the forefront of our thinking as we monitor developments.

“We have some time before we start building the infrastructure at both venues and so we are keeping the scheduled dates in place for The Open and AIG Women’s British Open at this point.

“We recognise that this is a rapidly changing situation and we will keep everyone informed of any changes to our plans.

“These are difficult times but we are bearing in mind our responsibility for what’s right for golf and most importantly for society.”

The Open is due to be held from July 16-19, while the Women’s British Open is due to be played at Royal Troon, from August 20-23.

R&A Student Finals & Girls U16s off

THE R&A has announced that its recently-created Student Tour Series Finals, and the Girls U16 Amateur Championship – scheduled to be played at Fulford, at the end of April – have both been cancelled.

And while no other amateur events run by the R&A – including the Amateur Championship at Royal Birkdale, and the Women’s Amateur, at Kilmarnock (Barassie) both scheduled for June, and the British Boys, at Moortown, in August – are under review.

The R&A statement said: “We have contacted all those involved. We will keep the status of the rest of the amateur championship season under review.

The R&A’s move comes in a week which was seen the 2020 Masters postponed – the first time Augusta National Golf Club has been forced to make such a decision since 1945 at the end of the Second World War.

The town of Augusta, whose population touches 200,000  but almost doubles during the week of The Masters, is believed to received a $120million boost.

The R&A recently revealed a series of financial grants from their Open Legacy Fund worth £100,000 to the town of Sandwich to help mark the 15th time The Open will have been contested at Royal St George’s – as well as once at neighbouring Prince’s Golf Club , in 1932.

And research estimates the arrival of the Claret Jug at the host club brings annually an estimated £100million in direct and indirect economic benefits to the area.

The R&A plans to invest £200million in developing golf over the next decade, with the profits from the two Majors under its control, vital to that work.

USGA cancel US Open regional qualifiers

THE USGA have cancelled the first regional qualifying rounds of the US Open, which is set to be held at Winged Foot, in New York, from June 18-21.

And fears are growing that the third Major event of the 2020 calendar, could be postponed along with the Masters and the USPGA, at San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park, from May 7-10.

With more severe restrictions currently in place to combat the coronavirus pandemic in the USA than in the UK, golf fans will be desperate that the US Open and Open Championship are able to go ahead on their original dates.

Talk of the Masters being rescheduled for October, continues, but with no confirmation from Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Riley yet, the difficulty of finding a date after the Ryder Cup is due to be held at Whistling Straits, in late September, remains.

The PGA Tour may have to persuade one of its sponsors of the early wrap around season events to stand aside and with the growing economic problems from the coronavirus epidemic, that could entail some very delicate discussions.

Italy’s Francesca Fiorellini – the 2019 R&A Girls U16 Amateur Champion at Fulford. The 2020 championship at the York club has been cancelled. Picture by THE R&A / GETTY IMAGES

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Scottish Golf has urged clubs to contact the Government about financial help to cope with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak

HAVING cancelled the first three championships of the 2020 season because of the coronavirus outbreak, Scottish Golf is urging clubs worried about the financial impact of the growing pandemic to seek Government help.

A number of clubs north of the border have already been in touch with golf’s governing body over requests for financial assistance to assist from the expected drops in incomes the golf industry will face as people comply with Government advice to avoid widescale social contact.

Scottish Golf spokesman Cameron McLay said: “We have been asked by clubs about potential financial assistance from Government in light of announcements made last week.

“Our number one priority remains the safety and wellbeing of our community of golfers, clubs, volunteers and staff, ensuring that everyone is able to enjoy our great sport in a safe environment.”

Clubs worried about the financial impact of the restrictions advising the public to avoid travel wherever possible, and forcing sporting bodies to close down many events both locally and nationally, have been advised to contact the Scottish Government, which has already offered a support package worth £320million.

“Scottish Golf remains committed to ensuring the appropriate representations take place to ensure the concerns of our golf clubs are heard,” Mr McLay said.

More information about about support from Holyrood for businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak can find out more about the support on offer by clicking here.

Help spread best practice on coronavirus says Scottish Golf

IN Scottish Golf”s latest advice given to golf clubs about the growing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it urged golf clubs to share their best practices on adapting their businesses to the health scare.

In its statement issued on Tuesday, Scottish Golf said: “We are aware of clubs looking to put in place specific changes to their business operations as part of their response to COVID-19.

“In this regard, we would welcome clubs to share their best practice with Scottish Golf which will allow us to share it with the wider golfing community in Scotland.

“Scottish Golf are aware that this is a difficult and concerning time for everyone involved in our game and we are committed to communicating with you in a timely manner regarding the latest developments relating to COVID-19.”

To support everyone during this period, a new designated area on the Scottish Golf website has been set up to ensure updates are clear and accessible to all. Click here to access them.

Delamare Forest’s James Ashfield won the 2019 Scottish Boys Open Championship at West Kilbride GC.

The Scottish Boys Open Championship at North Berwick and the Scottish Girls at Powfoot, from April 8-10, have both been cancelled while the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open at Royal Troon, from April 17-19, has also been called off.

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The Claret Jug sitting beside the green at Royal Troon’s famous par three eighth hole – The Postage Stamp. Picture by DAVID CANNON / R&A / GETTY IMAGES

THE 152nd Open will be played at Royal Troon in 2023 – seven years since Henrik Stenson produced a remarkable final round 63 to claim his first Major, and win the Claret Jug.

The occasion will mark the 100th anniversary of when The Open was first played at Royal Troon in 1923.

Then Arthur Havers, who was a club pro at Sandy Lodge. Moor Park in Hertfordshire and Surrey’s Coombe Hill, as well as Frinton, in Essex, defeated the legendary Walter Hagen by one stroke.

It will also be the 10th time that golf’s original championship has been played over the famous Ayrshire links.

Swede Stenson’s superb final round held off the challenge of Phil Mickelson in an unforgettable duel as he claimed the championship with a record 20-under par total of 264

Stenson joined a celebrated list of golfers who have lifted the famous Claret Jug and been crowned Champion Golfer of the Year at Royal Troon, including Havers, Bobby Locke, Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia, Justin Leonard in the 20th Century, and Todd Hamilton in 2004

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said, “Royal Troon is one of the world’s greatest championships links.

“It has produced many memorable moments throughout the history of The Open including the dramatic duel between Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson that captivated millions of fans around the world in 2016.

“We are very much looking forward to celebrating another milestone in the cherished history of The Open when we mark the 100th anniversary of the Championship first being played at Royal Troon.

“It will be fascinating to see who will emerge from the world-class field to lift the Claret Jug in 2023.”

This year’s 149th Open will return to Royal St George’s, while St Andrew’s will move back a year in rota from its normal five-year cycle so the Home of Golf can stage the 150th celebrations.

It will then return to Royal Liverpool in 2022, for the third time since 2006 – and where Rory McIlroy won his last Major in 2014 – before heading north over the border to Royal Troon.

Des Bancewicz, the club captain, said: “We are delighted to welcome the return of the world’s oldest major golf championship to Royal Troon, and regard this as confirmation of the wonderful condition to which our historic links are maintained.

“The 152nd Open will also provide an excellent opportunity to celebrate 100 years of the championship’s history at Royal Troon which commenced with Arthur Havers’ victory in 1923.”

Royal Troon is famous for The Postage Stamp – the par three eighth hole, the shortest hole on The Open rota.

Joe FitzPatrick, Scottish Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “I am delighted The R&A has decided to hold the 152nd Open in Scotland, the Home of Golf, in 2023.

“The Open is important to Scotland economically, culturally and reputationally, and Royal Troon is one of our finest and most prestigious courses.

“The last time The Open was played there in 2016 proved highly successful with £110million worth of benefits to Scotland.

“Royal Troon will also play host to this year’s AIG Women’s British Open, further emphasising our strong relationship with The R&A and our collective support for women’s golf.”

The 152nd Open will be played from July 16-23, 2023.

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Iron Golfer Luke Willett with his wife Sabrina and his three daughters after his marathon ended at Royal St George’s

“IRON Golfer” Luke Willett completed successfully completed his Great British Open Challenge, holing out after playing 252 holes at 14 of the best known courses in UK – and after cycling some 830 miles in just 10 days.

What started as a daydream became a reality after Luke cycled to all 14 historic courses that have ever staged The Open since 1860, carrying his four golf clubs on his back in all weathers.

The physically and mentally exhausting journey – which at times saw him playing 36 holes in a day and cycling 100 miles along busy roads in darkness and light – has raised money for the Golf Foundation.

The charity works to change the lives of young people by introducing them to golf. After finishing The Great British Open Challenge, Luke is asking for all golf-lovers to support his efforts by making a donation by clicking here.

Luke, a PGA professional at London’s Hampstead Golf Club, said the cycling was so tough that his play on some of the world’s most famous courses felt like a rest for his body.

Any course that has staged The Open was on his list and it all started just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links in Angus, on October 18, and finished in dramatic style at Royal St George’s in Kent, 10 days later.

After holing the final putt he was greeted by cheers and applause by club members but most touchingly by his wife Sabrina and his three young daughters.

Luke’s father Steve who had accompanied Luke on much of the trip to ensure his safety and keep morale high was also present.

Golf Foundation trustee Nick Bragg and club junior Jack joined Luke for the final round and Nick laid on the Champagne after the 18th.

Luke said: “I have been so, so tired at times, but it does show how much the human body can do.

“This is a dream come true. Playing these wonderful Open courses has been a joy, as has meeting so many fantastic people wherever I’ve travelled.

“I believe your environment is your best teacher. All of The Open venues are incredible courses to learn the game.

“But the great thing is that many local clubs up and down the country offer children a great start in golf.

“I hope reading about this adventure will interest people of all ages while igniting the imaginations of young people with a sense of the possible.

“I’m delighted I am able to raise valuable funds for the Golf Foundation. We all want more young golfers in Britain and all the money I collect will go towards getting them playing the sport.”

On day one of the challenge Carnoustie Golf Links provided Luke with the best possible start by giving him free dinner, bed and breakfast before presenting him with a highly generous cheque for £5,000 for the Foundation,

They also showed Luke their renowned facilities for juniors. Donations have been coming in since then – but there is still time to donate by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

“All donations are welcome regardless of size,” said a Golf Foundation spokesman.

After shooting a 73 on the Old Course at St Andrews – with just four clubs – on that first afternoon, Luke endured 60 miles of cycling in torrential rain and cold.

He had to negotiate flooded roads and heavy traffic before reaching Edinburgh. Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Musselburgh.

Better weather reached him finally on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry trip from Stranraer to Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush on the Tuesday. and a 64-mile ride to catch the ferry back to England, Luke reached Royal Lytham & St Annes on Wednesday.

He played the Lancashire links with Golf Foundation ambassador Kerr Drummond, the children’s TV presenter.

Then it all got tougher. Royal Birkdale at dawn on Thursday, cycling to Hoylake with a ferry across the Mersey, a round at Royal Liverpool before a 58-mile ride in the cold and dark to Market Drayton.

Luke then rose at 3am to ride 146 miles to London before another 119 miles the next morning to Kent for the three neighbouring courses, playing Royal Cinque Ports on Saturday, and then the grand finale at Prince’s and neighbouring Royal St George’s at Sandwich, on Sunday.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “Our team has been amazed by the passion and courage of Luke and also the warm welcomes he has been receiving in the golf community.

“We hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game by supporting our charity.

“We do need funds to change the lives of young people through golf. We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead.

“Donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

The team at golf apparel brand Bunker Mentality provided all the clothing Luke needed for all conditions.

Prince’s Golf Club generously gave Luke and his family a room for the night and dinner at the end of the journey to help him recuperate at their popular lodge overlooking the two courses, and where in 1932 Gene Sarazen introduced the first sand wedge at Sandwich – the only time Prince’s hosted The Open.

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The Hertfordshire-based charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

Find out more about the Golf Foundation’s work at @GolfRootsHQ on Twitter, @TheGolfFoundation on Facebook, golf_foundation_org on Instagram, or www.golf-foundation.org

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‘Iron Golfer’ Luke Willett (right) on the tee at Royal Birkdale with the club’s junior captain Josh Fallows, Golf Foundation development officer Andy Leigh

‘IRON Golfer’ Luke Willett is asking for support to complete The Great British Open Challenge having played 10 Open Championship courses and cycling 500 miles in just over six days.

As Luke holed out on the 18th at Royal Birkdale today (Thursday) he was making steady progress towards playing all 14 Open Championship venues as part of a gruelling 10-day trek, totalling more than 800 miles on two wheels with his golf clubs on his back.

Luke is raising funds for the Golf Foundation – putting his body on the line to support the charity that changes young people’s lives by introducing them to golf.

And he is appealing for the UK’s golf community to help him meet his financial target by sponsoring his efforts this month – from Fife to Sandwich, in Kent, where he will end his latest marathon.

So far Willett, a PGA professional at Hampstead Golf Club, has endured mammoth sections of cycling in sometimes “nightmarish” weather conditions on often dark and unfamiliar roads.

Luke has been soaked to the skin by passing lorries and cars and gone through periods of exhaustion and severe muscular and mental fatigue.

The 35-year-old now needs the financial backing of golf-lovers everywhere who understand the benefits of supporting the next generation of young players and helping national charity the Golf Foundation.

After striking his opening tee shot just after dawn at Carnoustie Golf Links last Friday (October 18), Luke cycled to St Andrews.

And with just four golf clubs – three-wood, six-iron, wedge and putter – Luke shot 73 on the Old Course before cycling 60 miles in torrential rain, flooded roads and heavy traffic to Edinburgh.

Luke said: “Each time a car flew past me it was like having a bathtub of ice cold water thrown over me!”

Arriving at midnight, Luke poured water out of his shoes before getting up again at 5.30am to ride to play Muirfield and Royal Musselburgh on Saturday.

Finally, better weather reached him on Sunday as he played Royal Troon and Prestwick on Scotland’s West Coast, before completing his Scottish odyssey on Monday in sunshine at Trump Turnberry.

After a ferry to Northern Ireland from Stranraer so he could play Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland, on Tuesday, it was back over the Irish Sea to England on the ferry to play the six English Open venues, starting in the North West at Royal Lytham & St Annes yesterday.

He then made the journey down the Lancashire coast to Royal Birkdale and Royal Liverpool today.

Willett will finish at Royal St George’s on Sunday, after playing Deal’s Royal Cinque Ports, and Prince’s after the long ride to Kent this weekend.

You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

Golf Foundation head of fundraising Vanessa Bell said: “The whole Golf Foundation team has been hugely impressed with Luke’s spirit and energy.

“We hope people are starting to realise just how mentally and physically exhausting the challenge has been.

“We are a charity and hope Luke’s adventure can now inspire golf-lovers up and down the UK to put something back into the game for the next generation.

“We will be hugely grateful for any donations large or small in the days ahead – donating the equivalent of the price of a golf ball would be a brilliant gesture in itself.”

Luke, who hails from Buckinghamshire, said: “I have never experienced anything like the conditions I did on the Fridaynight. It was a bit of a nightmare and certainly a huge mental challenge after two full rounds of golf in the cold and wet.

“The cycling has been very tough but the pleasure of playing these wonderful Open Championship courses has been immense.

“This is the golf of dreams for any player. The reception from the golf clubs, their staff, the golfers and non-golfers, has been really staggering and humbling.

“Golf isn’t all about the number on the scorecard and that’s why I wanted to team up with the Golf Foundation and raise funds for them in this way.”

All funds raised by The Great British Open Challenge will go directly to helping more young people from all backgrounds to Start, Learn and Stay in the sport.

The Hertfordshire-based Golf Foundation reaches 500,000 boys and girls each year, creating a player pathway from school sport to the golf club environment and regular coaching with PGA professionals.

The charity wants to encourage young people to keep playing and keep developing the skills for life that the game teaches them.

•You can support Luke’s incredible marathon by going to Luke’s JustGiving page.

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