Players and dignitaries are being encouraged to donate as much as possible towards the worthy cause when the event takes place at Palheiro Golf on Saturday, May 7.

Ukrainians have fled in increasing numbers to Madeira in the last two months since the outbreak of hostilities in their homeland, with around 300 people already having taken refuge in the Portuguese archipelago.

Jonathan Fletcher, president of Palheiro Nature Estate, said: “The Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic is an important event on our golfing calendar, and we wanted to support a charity that reflected its importance.

“At this time, there is no bigger cause in the world than the plight of the Ukrainian refugees and we’re delighted to do whatever we can to help ease the suffering of these poor people in their time of need.”

Taking place on the idyllic island destination of Madeira for the second time this year, the 2022 Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic forms the centrepiece of a wider five-day event which will be staged from May 5-9. As well as providing the opportunity to enjoy world-class golf, guests will also experience a slice of the archipelago’s famous culture and history – including Madeira’s globally acclaimed annual ‘Festa da Flor’ Flower Festival.

And golfers have added incentive to take part in this year’s Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic with anyone taking up the chance to buy a Madeira Golf Passport over the weekend of May 6-8 automatically being entitled to a place in the 18-hole Stableford competition.

Providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, the Madeira Golf Passport features three golf courses – Clube de Golf Santo da Serra, Palheiro Golf and Porto Santo Golf – is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.

Costing €225 per person for three rounds and €360 for a five-round package, the standard passport – which is valid for a two-week period – includes golf at Clube de Golf Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf and free golf course transfers to and from your hotel.

There is also the opportunity to book tee times directly with the clubs prior to travel, while, for an additional fee from €91.50 per person, golfers can upgrade to Madeira’s premium golf passport, which includes return ferry travel to Porto Santo, transfers and 18 holes on the island’s acclaimed golf course.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round destination for a golf break.

For more details and to buy a Madeira Golf Passport, please visit https://madeiragolfpassport.com/ and to view a video of the inaugural Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic, go to https://youtu.be/n-tmdZ7E2PM .

The ‘2022 Palheiro Gardens Golf Classic’ will take place on May 7, 2022, and for more details and to book, please email reservations.golf@palheiroestate.com, phone +351 291 790 120 or visit www.palheironatureestate.com/  

For further information on Madeira, please visit: www.madeiraallyear.com

The post PALHEIRO GARDENS GOLF CLASSIC TO FUNDRAISE FOR UKRAINIAN REFUGEES appeared first on Golf North.

The Vic Open is taking place at the 13^th Beach Golf Links, near Melbourne, from 10-13 February and is organised by Golf Australia and sanctioned by the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.

Three places in The 150^th Open at St Andrews will be awarded to the leading three players not already exempt who finish in the top 10 and ties.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Executive Director – Championships at The R&A, said, “We were sorry to hear that continuing travel restrictions led to the New Zealand Open being cancelled and thank New Zealand Golf for its support and the efforts made to stage the event.

“The Vic Open is a leading event and we are grateful to Golf Australia, the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia and the Victorian Government for agreeing to our request to offer players the opportunity to qualify for The 150^th Open through it. We look forward to seeing who emerges from the field next week to take their place at St Andrews.”

James Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer of Golf Australia, said, “As we enter the final stages of preparation at 13^th Beach, this is very exciting news for our tournament, and such a wonderful opportunity for the eligible players. Thanks to The R&A for their swift decision-making and support following the unfortunate cancellation of the New Zealand Open.”

Victorian Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, said, “This year’s Vic Open will have an even bigger drawcard, with the top three players gaining entry into The Open Championship at St Andrews.”

A minimum of 46 places in The Open are available through the Series, which provides golfers with opportunities to qualify at events around the world on the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour, ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, Asian Tour, Korean Tour, Japan Golf Tour and Sunshine Tour.

The post THE VIC OPEN TO OFFER THREE QUALIFYING PLACES FOR THE 150TH OPEN AT ST ANDREWS appeared first on Golf North.

The number of total golfers globally has increased from 61 million to 66.6 million in a five-year growth period, surpassing the previous high mark of 61.6 million set in 2012. The measure includes club members and non-member independent golfers playing nine or 18 holes and users of driving ranges in markets where course availability is limited.

The new figure reflects a positive trend in golf in which participation levels are now rising worldwide after a period of decline. This was recently highlighted in the 2021 European Golf Participation Report, which highlighted that over 10.6 million golfers now enjoy playing full-length courses on the continent – a healthy increase from the 7.9 million last monitored in 2016.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf is enjoying a real boom in popularity at the moment and we are seeing substantial increases in participation in many parts of the world, particularly in the last two years when the sport could be played safely outdoors during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The new figures are very encouraging but we need to work together as a sport to make the most of this opportunity by retaining those people who have returned to golf or tried it for the first time. We can achieve this by offering a variety of attractive and flexible options that encourage golfers to play more regularly and enjoy its many health and wellbeing benefits with family and friends.”

SMS collected participation data reported by national federations in different regions around the world, using nationally representative studies and expert estimates to calculate the global number of total golfers.

Regions experiencing the largest rises include Asia (20.9 million to 23.3 million); Europe (7.9 million to 10.6 million – driven largely by Great Britain and Ireland 3.6 million to 5.7 million); and North America (29.9 million to 30.6 million).

The research figures indicate the growth trend began before Covid-19 and then accelerated during the pandemic as the popularity of golf grew due to golfers being able to socially distance in a safe outdoor setting and stay active to boost their physical and mental health.

In Great Britain, the number of adults playing a nine or 18-hole course began to gradually increase before the onset of Covid-19, rising from 2.5 million in 2017 to 2.8 million in 2018, then to 3 million in 2019, before surging to 5.2 million in 2020.

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, The R&A sought to carry out additional research into this rise in demand and how different types of golfers were engaging with the sport.

The Post Covid Opportunity Research, along with findings from Bayfirth Research, details experiences of golfers during the pandemic, motivations for playing and long-term plans for the future. Among new golfers, 98% of those interviewed identified they are enjoying playing golf and 95% see themselves playing golf for many years to come.

The research also outlined recommendations clubs can take to retain new players, including feeling welcome and valued; a friendly culture and relaxed atmosphere; participation options based on ability and experience; good customer service; having an efficient booking system; the quality and maintenance of the course; and, importantly, playing in an encouraging environment.

The R&A also launched a Covid-19 Support Fund to help golf deal with the impact of the pandemic, with the £7 million funding package largely aimed at national federations and other affiliated bodies in Great Britain and Ireland.

Further support for national federations is set to come in 2022. The R&A is creating a series of new assets to help market and promote the sport so that more people are encouraged to take up golf and existing golfers are retained.

www.randa.org

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The Portuguese islands will be more accessible than ever to players from next spring following Ryanair’s announcement that they will be operating new flights to Madeira’s capital Funchal from five airports: Dublin, Paris Beauvais and Marseille in France, Brussels Charleroi and Milan-Bergamo.

The twice-weekly services are part of a new schedule revealed by the low-cost airline which will launch from March. Adding capacity to already serviced cities such as Manchester, London Stansted and Nuremberg, Ryanair’s introduction of 10 routes will connect Madeira with mainland Portugal and six other European countries, helping to strengthen the archipelago’s position as one of the continent’s leading tourism destinations.

Named as Europe’s leading island destination at the 2021 World Travel Awards for the eighth year in a row, Madeira boasts three first-class golf courses – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf as well as an array of outstanding historic, cultural and lifestyle experiences.

The best way to enjoy the golf courses is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.

Offering a one-stop shop for visitors eager to experience the finest things that the islands have to offer on and off the course, the portal features the chance for golfers to review and book their golf and accommodation, with a selection of quality hotel, self-catering and all-inclusive options all available. Three-round packages cost €225 per person while five-round passports are priced at €360 per person.

Madeira has enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings in the last 12 months with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment.

Latest figures revealed recently by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira showed that more travelling golfers visited the Portuguese islands this summer than pre-pandemic two years ago, with the number of guests visiting in August 1.7 per cent more than the corresponding period in August 2019.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.

And visiting from the UK and Europe has never been easier with Madeira. Belongs to all – the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau – taking every step to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor.

Since the start of the pandemic, the archipelago has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and has been widely praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Earlier this year, Madeira was named as one of the safest destinations for 2021 by European Best Destinations and has worked closely with SGS, the world’s leading certification company, to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19.

Under the umbrella brand “Madeira Safe to Discover”, Madeira. Belongs to all has published updated guidelines for all incoming visitors, including for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

All adults and children aged 11 and above travelling to Madeira must register on the Madeira Safe site and complete an epidemiological survey between 48 and 12 hours prior to departure.

The green corridor already exists at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a vaccination certificate or with proof of a rapid negative antigen test done within 48 hours of travelling. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival and having entered Madeira, visitors are free to travel anywhere in the islands. People who did not test for free on arrival at the airport can still have a free test before travelling back to their country of origin if needed, while discounts are also available on any further tests that are required for visitors returning to their country of origin, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18.

In addition, only an antigen test is required within 48 hours of arrival for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid for more than 90 days.

For more information on Madeira, please visit: www.madeiraallyear.com

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08 April, 2021, Augusta, Ga, USA: Nine-time Major Champion, Gary Player, has joined Golf Saudi as its latest and most influential ambassador to date. One of the most decorated golfers of all time, Mr. Player will work with Golf Saudi to help implement a shared vision for golf and its future development within the Kingdom.

The news was announced shortly before Gary Player took up his traditional role as the Honorary Starter of the Masters alongside Jack Nicklaus and Lee Elder, with their tee shots officially due to open the tournament and continue a tradition that began back in 1963.

Since Golf Saudi’s inception in late 2018, Gary Player has been supportive of the organisation’s development plans from the start regularly attending events, including both the 2020 Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, as well as the inaugural Golf Saudi Summit in the same year.

As part of his role as an ambassador with Golf Saudi, Mr. Player will share his views on how health and wellbeing are integral to the long-term success and sustainability of the game. As such, he will support and champion Golf Saudi’s growth plans for the game, in bringing golf to the wider population within Saudi Arabia.

“I have long admired the vision of Golf Saudi, but more importantly the work that is being done on the ground to provide access to the sport for all levels,” commented Mr. Player, who won his first Major title at the 1959 Open Championship. “I have had many fantastic experiences visiting the Middle East and was lucky enough to visit Saudi Arabia to see first-hand the great work that is under way, in particular the effort and focus to introduce the country’s youthful population to the health benefits the sport can provide.”

As a renowned golf course designer, Gary Player has also had initial conversations with Golf Saudi about how to further develop the Kingdom’s infrastructure and deliver on the scale of the organisation’s ambition when it comes to playing its part in Saudi Arabia’s transformation and meeting Vision 2030 targets, particularly in regard to the socio-economic benefits golf course development can bring to the country.

Majed Al-Sorour, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We are privileged to have Gary Player join us as our latest international Golf Saudi ambassador and support our ongoing development. Since his first visit in early 2020, we have kept in regular contact with Mr. Player and his interest in introducing golf to the younger members of Saudi Arabia’s population remains undimmed. Following his appointment as an official ambassador, we are looking forward to learning from his expertise and benefiting from his strong track record within the game to help us build a golfing ecosystem, which future generations can be proud of.”

For further information on Gary Player and his appointment as a Golf Saudi ambassador, please visit: www.golfsaudi.com.

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The world’s best players will return to Rancho Mirage for the first Major of the year with defending Champion Mirim Lee and World No.1 and 2019 Champion Jin Young Ko both returning for the first time since their respective victories.

World No.2 Sei Young Kim will be looking to add a second Major to her tally having won the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship alongside her 12 LPGA Tour victories, while World No.3 Nelly Korda and World No.6 Brooke Henderson, who agonizingly lost out to Lee in a three way play off at the first hole last year, will both be looking to finish one place higher and claim their first ANA Inspiration title.

Korda, at 22 already has four LPGA wins, including the 2021 Gainbridge LPGA, and is excited to return to the Dinah Shore Tournament Course and have another chance at winning one of her favorite events of the year.

The US Solheim Cup star, Korda explained of her runners up 2020 experience, “It was really disappointing to come so close and not manage to win but as time has passed and I can look back on it more objectively, I think I learnt a huge amount from the experience and it can only help me in the many years I have ahead of me on Tour. The positives I reflect on are that it was my highest Major finish to date – so I am getting closer – and it’s pretty great not to have to wait a whole year to get back out there and give it another shot! Also, I know the course suits me which will really give me confidence as soon as I get back on site and I love everything about Rancho Mirage. I am just really thankful that ANA and the LPGA have managed to get the tournament back in its usual slot in the schedule during these tough times and we will be able to celebrate the tournament’s 50^th edition.”

World No.4, seven time Major winner and 2013 Champion, Inbee Park will be seeking a fast start in a year that will see her defend her coveted Olympic gold medal while World No.5 American star Danielle Kang, a two-time winner on the LPGA in 2020 and one of the most consistent players on the LPGA, is another player likely to feature on Sunday afternoon of this special 50^th Anniversary edition.

Nasa Hataoka is the highest ranked Japanese player in the field at No.7, while World No.15  ‘Smiling Cinderella,’ Hinako Shibuno, winner of the 2019 AIG Women’s Open, is the second highest since bursting onto the international scene with her win at Woburn, England almost two years ago.

Tournament favorite Lexi Thompson, the 2014 Champion, is seemingly never far from the top of the leaderboard at one of her self-declared favorite events of the year and with a second place finish at the 2021 Gainbridge LPGA last month, she will be hoping to get back to her winning ways after her 2020 season was her first winless year since 2012.

Marking its 50^th anniversary this year, South Korean Mirim Lee, will defend her title against a stellar field that not only features all of the world’s top 15 players but also past champions Jin Young Ko (2019), Pernilla Lindberg (2018), So-yeon Ryu (2017), Lydia Ko(2016), Brittany Lincicome (2015), Lexi Thompson (2014), Inbee Park (2013), Stacy Lewis (2011), and Yani Tseng (2010).

With the tournament returning to its usual position on the calendar as the first Major of the year, the 50^th Anniversary is being celebrated with a look back at the past champions and especially the foundations built by Dinah Shore, whose statue takes pride of place by the 18^th green. Please view the special 50^th Anniversary short film here.

As with last year’s tournament, this special 50^th Anniversary edition will be going ahead without spectators due to Covid-19 related restrictions following close collaboration with partners ANA, the LPGA, the City of Rancho Mirage, Mission Hills Country Club and in consultation with the Riverside County Health Department, following the State of California Public Health Department guidelines.

Fans will be able to watch the ANA Inspiration around the world, including on Golf Channel and Sky Sports, and follow along for enhanced content on social @ANAinspiration and the tournament website ANAinspiration.com.

The post WORLD’S TOP 15 RANKED PLAYERS TO PLAY FIRST MAJOR OF THE YEAR appeared first on Golf North.

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Former One Direction star Niall Horan in action during the pro-am event prior to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club, in 2019. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

FORMER One Direction star Nial Horan is to lead a drive by The R&A to create new grassroots programmes aimed at inspiring more young people to play the game.

The new programmes will be launched later this year by Horan’s Modest! Golf company, and provide more opportunities for young people to be introduced to golf.

They will utilise fun and accessible formats of the sport that are more in tune with how today’s generation uses its leisure time

They will also be designed to encourage them to stay within the sport, the R&A said today.

The power of social media influencers from the sports and entertainment world will be used to present the sport in a more positive light to new audiences and challenge some of the more unhelpful perceptions that exist about golf.

R&A chief development officer Phil Anderton said, “Modest! Golf has a wealth of expertise and insight from the entertainment and sports industries.

“That will be combined with our experience of developing golf around the world to establish exciting new initiatives aimed at reaching new audiences and inspiring more young people into playing golf with their family and friends.

“Our relationship with Modest! Golf is built on a shared ambition for golf to be viewed as a fun, friendly and accessible sport that is inclusive of all people no matter their age, gender, ability or background.

Horan ‘hugely passionate about golf’

“We look forward to working together to broaden its appeal through our networks in golf and encourage young people to enjoy its many social and health benefits.”

Horan, who founded Modest! Golf in 2016, said, “I am so proud to work alongside The R&A in developing programmes to encourage and inspire more young people to play the game of golf.

“It is something my company Modest! Golf is hugely passionate about and I am honoured that chief executive Martin Slumbers, Phil Anderton and The R&A are entrusting my agency to help drive the game forward.

“The R&A has a long legacy within the game and I look forward to helping to create new and modern initiatives to showcase to the younger generation just what a great sport golf is.”

Modest! Golf evolved from entertainment agency Modest! Management and was founded by Horan and former Taylormade manager Mark McDonnell five years ago.

It is responsible for the management of professional golfers including BMW PGA Champion Tyrrell Hatton, Ireland’s former World Amateur No. 1 Leona Maguire, Scotland’s Connor Syme, Germany’s Olivia Cowan and Italy’s Guido Migliozzi as well as world top five disability golfer Brendan Lawlor.

Modest! also aims to promote inclusivity and opportunity through events like the ISPS Handa World Invitational, and the Horan & Rose charity tournament, which has raised over £2 million for children’s charities across the world, with Hampshire’s Justin Rose.

Tyrrell Hatton claimed the fourth Rolex Series win of his career by winning the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship, on Sunday – and his third since signing for Horan’s Modest! Golf.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Hatton flying with Horan’s team

NIAL HORAN, who played golf, football and gaelic football as a youngster, caddied for Rory McIlroy in the Par 3 Contest at the 2015 Augusta Masters.

The One Direction singer, who has had four UK No. 1s with 1D, has been a regular at the BMW PGA Pro-Am at Wentworth, where Hatton claimed his third Rolex Series win in October.

Hatton, who also won the first Rolex event series of 2021 in the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship on Sunday, signed for Modest! Golf in 2019.

The Marlow golfer, who came through the B.B.&O. junior ranks, signed an extended deal in November, having secured his first PGA Tour win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2020.

Horan’s delight after capturing Hatton’s signature on a longer deal was clear. He said in November: “We are so proud to resign Tyrrell to the business.

“His golf this past 18 months has been incredible.

“To not only witness him make his breakthrough in America and win for the first time on the PGA Tour, but to also watch him win the European Tour’s flagship event at the BMW, was something really special.

“We’re just so delighted and proud to be on that journey with him.”

The 29-year-old’s four-shot victory in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, means Hatton’s place in Padraig Harrington’s European team to face the USA in September’s Ryder Cup, at Whistling Straits, is nailed on.

Hatton made his Ryder Cup debut in Europe’s record victory against America in Paris in 2018, earning one point for Thomas Bjorn’s side in his three matches.

Tyrrell Hatton after his first BMW PGA Championship win at Wentworth in October.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

The post R&A take One Direction with grassroots game’s future and Horan’s Modest! Golf deal appeared first on Golf North.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout claimed three European Tour victories in 2020 – but his season begain with victory in the Dimension Data Pro-am on the Challenge Tour in February.
Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

THE European Challenge Tour and the Sunshine Tour have confirmed the postponement of next month’s three co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa, which will now be played later in the season.

Following thorough consultation with the medical teams from both Tours, it has been agreed to reschedule the three co-sanctioned events, that were due to take place in February, until later in the year.

The Challenge Tour’s South African Swing will now begin in the week of April 22-25.

An announcement will be made shortly regarding the tournament and its venue.

It will be followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club, from April 29-May 2, and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate, from May 6-9.

The spread of the more virulent strain of the COVID-19 virus in South Africa has forced the two tours’ hand – with a sizeable contingent of the field coming from the UK, which also has experienced a new strain of the coronavirus, which has killed nearly two million victims across the world.

Challenge Tour head Jamie Hodges said: “The decision to postpone these events follows consultation with all stakeholders – and was made with the health and well-being of all players and staff as our absolute priority.

“I want to express our thanks to the Sunshine Tour, and each of the tournament venues, sponsors and stakeholders for their flexibility and understanding of this situation.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with our friends at the Sunshine Tour and look forward to co-sanctioning the three events later this year.”

Sunshine Tour commissioner Thomas Abt said: “In light of the current worldwide increase in COVID-19 cases – and after consultation with our own health experts and GolfRSA and its Risk Mitigation Strategy – we believe it is the most responsible course of action to postpone these tournaments.

“The safety of our members as well as our staff is our primary concern. I’d like to thank the Challenge Tour as well as our own Sunshine Tour Board of Directors and sponsors for their guidance, patience and understanding amidst what remains a very fluid situation for world golf.”

J C Ritchie won the first leg of the European Challenge Tour’s South African Swing last year with victory in the Limpopo Championship. Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

Last year’s South Africa Swing on the Challenge Tour began with the Limpopo Championship, which was won by J C Ritchie.

Sunshine Tour regular Ritchie finished two shots of teenage prodigy Wilco Nienaber, who would make such a big impression on the European Tour later in the summer.

Sweden’s Anton Karlsson recorded his maiden win in Cape Town, with Hampshire’s former Amateur Champion Harry Ellis producing his best result of what would become a curtailed season, with a fourth place, just behind Sussex’s Toby Tree.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout announced his intentions for the year with victory in the Dimnesion Data Pro-am at Fancourt in the final leg of the Challenge Tour’s 2020 South African Swing.

The South African went on to win the Andalucia Masters, at Valderrama in June, before turning to his homeland to end 2020 with back-to-back victories in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, and then the South African Open, at Sun City.

Swede Anton Karlsson claimed his maiden Challenge Tour win in the 2020 Cape Town Open. Picture by SUNSHINE TOUR

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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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