Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart – who is now one of Sky Sports top golf pundits – thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup must go ahead – even if fans are banned because of the COVID-19 crisis

EX-Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart warned Europe’s top players they must play against the USA at Whistling Straits in September – because there is no guarantee the COVID-19 crisis could be over in another 12 months’ time.

So even if fans are barred from watching Padraig Harrington’s Europeean team go head to head with Steve Stricker’s American team at the Wisconsisn course, which hosted the USPGA Championship twice between 2004 and 2010, the Scot thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup must be played.

Coltart told Sky Sports Golf viewers: “Thomas Bjorn made a good point that we don’t know where we’re going to be in 12 months.

“We don’t know whether the vaccine is going to be effective or whether they’re going to have a vaccine.

“If the event has to be suspended again because of another spike… goodness me, the economic fallout of that could be catastrophic.”

It means Coltart is in the camp with Ryder Cup captains Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington who have called for the event to go ahead.

Meanwhile Ian Woosnam, the winning captain in Dublin in 2006, has said the Ryder Cup without fans in September would be a disaster.

Coltart’s view that the biennial contest – which has been won by Europe in seven of the last stagings since 2002, the last time the event was rescheduled following the 9/11 terrorist attack on New Year – is not universally popular with the prospective members.

The famous Ryder Cup trophy at Whistling Straits, in Wisconsin – the venue for 2020

Coltart: 2020 will go down in history

RORY McIlroy has led European calls for the event to be postponed – if fans are not going to be allowed at Whistling Straits.

Earlier this month, McIlroy was asked if he would consider refusing to play in a Ryder Cup without fans.

The World No. 1 said he would prefer the tournament to be played in 2021 – if it is not safe for fans to attend because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He said: “Look, I love the Ryder Cup. But I can’t see it without fans.

“I think there are enough people in the game who don’t want the Ryder Cup to happen without the fans.

“So this year it will be played with the fans if we can do that, or we’ll have to figure out kicking it down the road to a later date.

But Coltart believes the players have an obligation to entertain the millions of golf fans who would watch on TV, in addition to the 40,000 crowds expected on all three days.

It would give fans all around the world something to smile about after all the death and disruption as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think if we can go ahead with it we should go ahead with it,” said Coltart, who made his Ryder Cup debut playing against Tiger Woods in the Sunday singlesat the Battle of Brookline, in 1999.

Coltart added: “I totally accept that won’t be an opinion shared by absolutely everybody.

“But nonetheless I think the world has been through a tumultuous period, a very difficult period for a lot of people.

“Some people have come through unscathed, other people have been nowhere near as fortunate.

“Golf is a great opportunity to heal the world – not just the sporting world – but the world in general.

“And I think the Ryder Cup is a fantastic opportunity for that.

“What better than two continents going at it in the cauldron of the Ryder Cup?

“Yes, there won’t be the fans, but people back home are crying out for some sense of normality – something to help pick their lives up from what has been a very, very difficult time.

“I accept that it won’t be like the Ryder Cups of years gone by.”

Rory McIlroy thinks the 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed until 2021

Rory: No fans, no Ryder Cup

RORY McIlroy has led European calls for the event to be postponed – if fans are not going to be allowed at Whistling Straits.

McIlroy was asked if he would consider refusing to play in a Ryder Cup without fans, earlier this month.

He said: “Look, I love the Ryder Cup. But I can’t see it without fans.

“I think there are enough people in the game who don’t want the Ryder Cup to happen without the fans.

“So this year it will be played with the fans if we can do that, or we’ll have to figure out kicking it down the road to a later date.”

Coltart was one of two players controversially left out of the fourballs and foursomes on the first two days in Boston by captain Mark James.

The USA stormed back from a 10-6 deficit to win amid incredible scenes.

But they sparked one of the biggest rows in Ryder Cup history with accusations of unsporting behaviour levelled at the US team by captain Mark James.

Coltart accepts that the 2020 Ryder Cup is also certain to stand out in the competition’s history – which dates back to the first unofficial match between two teams representing the USA and Great Britain and Ireland at Wentworth in 1926.

The two-time European Tour winner said: “It will be very difficult for them, as they’ll always be remembered as the players who played in that Ryder Cup, or captained that Ryder Cup.

“But I think there’s maybe an obligation to the world to get that game played and to try and get us back to a sense of normality.”

USA captain Steve Stricker and Europe’s Padraig Harrington have discussed playing the Ryder Cup even if fans are barred in September. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

Captains caught on either side of Ryder Cup debate

THE debate over holding the 2020 Ryder Cup with or without fans, in September, has split Tour golfers down the middle.

Senior European Tour figures like past captain Paul McGinley and current captain Padraig Harrington have changed their tune since speculation began with the COVID-19 lockdown in March.

While they spent the last couple of months trying to bang the drum for a fan-less Ryder Cup, McIlroy has been consistent in his stance.

McIlroy said in May: “I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 – so that they can play in front of crowds and have the atmosphere that makes the Ryder Cup so special.

“The players are the ones that make the Ryder Cup. If they are not on board with it and don’t want to play then there is no Ryder Cup.

“I see it being pushed back until 2021 and, honestly, I think that will be the right call.”

Ian Woosnam: Ryder Cup is all about the players

RORY made his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010 and has won 13 out of 24 points so far in five appearances.

He was famously almost late on the tee for his Sunday singles at Medinah in 2012. Rory required a police escort to get to the course after getting confused by the US time zones, while watching TV coverage in his hotel room.

Rory arrived with 12 minutes to spare. He beat Keegan Bradley 2&1 as Jose-Maria Olazabal’s team came back from 10-6 down to win 141/2-131/2.

Woosnam, who played in eight consecutive Ryder Cups, said last week: “For me it would be an absolute disaster.”

The first and only Welshman to win the Masters in 1991, told a ‘Ryder Cup at Home Social’ – alongside Peter Baker and Paul Lawrie – last Friday: “It’s all about the fans – the atmosphere, being there.

“I can understand the corporate side of it – and television. But you have to remember the players are playing for nothing, and it’s all about the players really. Everyone wants to be there.”

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2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host Graeme McDowell will be playing at Mount Juliet Estate in the Rolex Series event

MAJOR champion and Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell will host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the next two years – beginning at Mount Juliet Estate, in May.

The 40-year-old succeeds Rory McIlroy and, latterly, Paul McGinley as tournament host of the historic event.

His stint will begin at the iconic County Kilkenny venue, which hosts the island of Ireland’s national open for the first time in 25 years from May 28-31, 2020, while the 2021 venue is yet to be confirmed.

Former Ryder Cup captain McGinley hosted what was regarded as a hugely successful edition at Lahinch Golf Club last year following McIlroy’s four-year stint as host,.

During that time the tournament flourished, becoming part of the European Tour’s prestigious Rolex Series in 2017.

McDowell is now looking forward to building on these strong foundations over the next two years.

The 2020 Irish Open will become the second Rolex Series event of the year when it returns to Ireland, although McDowell would love to host the event in Northern Ireland in another 12 months’ time.

“It’s a huge privilege to have the opportunity to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in both 2020 and 2021,” said Portrush native McDowell.

“The event has gone from strength to strength over the last few years with the support of Dubai Duty Free and the efforts of Rory and Paul as hosts, alongside everybody at the European Tour.

“I’m really looking forward to taking on that responsibility over the next two years and adding to the history of this great tournament, which has become a global spectacle that Irish golf fans can be proud of.

“Our island is famous for its incredible golf courses and passionate golf fans, both north and south of the border, and obviously I would love to bring the event to Northern Ireland in 2021.

“But my focus now is on next year at Mount Juliet Estate and making sure that is another world-class sporting occasion.”

McDowell’s two-year spell as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will be another significant entry in his already-impressive CV.

He has won 10 times on the European Tour including the 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach – when he famously became the first European winner in 40 years.

Later that year he claimed the winning point in Europe’s 14½-13½ victory in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.

McDowell has played four times overall in the biennial contest, winning nine points, while he was a vice-captain for the first time under Thomas Bjørn at Le Golf National last year.

Colm McLoughlin, chief executive of Dubai Duty Free, said: “We are very pleased Graeme McDowell will take on the role of host for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for 2020 and 2021.

“Graeme has always proved himself to be a wonderful sports person who can perform and compete at the highest levels.

“His vast experience and talent will no doubt further grow the interest among both players and fans in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Mount Juliet will be a magnificent venue for 2020, it is a stunning parkland course and is often referred to as a ‘great spectator course’ by fans.

“We are looking forward to working with Graeme and the European Tour over the coming months and wish him the best of luck in his work.”

Damien Gaffney, director of Tetrarch – the owners of Mount Juliet Estate – said: “We are delighted with the announcement that Graeme McDowell will be our host here next year and it will be a pleasure to welcome Graeme back to the estate.

“Graeme has played our course previously during the 2004 American Express Championship, and now to welcome him as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is fantastic news and we really hope he enjoys the overall experience.

“To have a Major champion such as Graeme hosting this wonderful event is an honour for all of us here at Mount Juliet Estate.”

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We were delighted when Graeme expressed the desire to host the Dubai Duty Irish Open for the next two years.

“Not only is he a Major champion and Ryder Cup legend, but he is also a terrific ambassador for our game.

“I am certain that he will enjoy the role of host and he will be a great success in it, building on the work of Rory and Paul.

“Having Graeme as host for the next two years allows us to plan and maximise the many opportunities that exist across Ireland for both editions.”

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els won WGC-American Express title at Mount Juliet

MOUNT Juliet previously hosted three consecutive editions of the Irish Open from 1993-95 – won respectively by Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Sam Torrance.

The luxury five-star resort also hosted Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1997, a challenge match between Tom Watson and Fred Couples, won by the latter.

The World Golf Championship’s American Express Championship was held there in 2002 and 2004 – with Tiger Woods and Ernie Els winning respectively.

Early bird ticket prices for the 2020 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begin at €13 for the Wednesday pro-am day, with Thursday and Friday day tickets available for a special price of €23.

Saturday and Sunday tickets begin at €27. Fans can enjoy five days of world-class golf and entertainment for only €83 if they purchase their early bird season tickets before March 3.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult. Day junior tickets for those aged between 12 and 17 years of age are €10 (€25 for a season ticket) while students aged between 18 and 24, and over 65s, can buy concession tickets at €15 for Thursday and Friday, €20 for Saturday and Sunday (€60 for a season ticket).

Parking access can be purchased for €5 per day, or €10 for a season ticket which covers all five days.

Official tickets can be found online at Eventbrite by clicking here. The resale of tickets on unofficial platforms will render the ticket void. the European Tour warns.

Official hospitality tickets are also available on the ticketing page, or by contacting the European Tour’s sales team on (01344) 840681 or by emailing hospitality@europeantour.com

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Thomas Levet believes his win at PGA Catalunya in 2009 was the best he played in his European Tour career – he makes just his fourth start on the Staysure Tour at the same Spanish club looking for his first Seniors win. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

THOMAS Levet returns to the scene of his 2009 Open de España victory when the European Tour Destinations Senior Classic gets under way on the Staysure Tour at PGA Catalunya Resort today (Friday).

The Frenchman captured the fifth of his six European Tour titles at the acclaimed Spanish venue, holding off Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti to secure a two-shot victory, and with it became the most decorated French golfer of all time on the European Tour.

A member of the winning 2004 Ryder Cup team, Levet is making only his fourth start on the Staysure Tour since celebrating his 50th birthday last September.

Levet will be looking to rekindle his love affair with PGA Catalunya Resort as he goes in search of his first win on the over-50s circuit.

“It’s always a pleasure to come back to a venue where you have won,” he said. “As soon as you step back onto the golf course it is as if you can feel your rhythm again and your game is back to the way it was when you won.

“It’s a strange feeling and hopefully it can last when I’m out competing on the course this week.

“My win in 2009 was probably my best week on tour. I played unbelievably all-week long from tee to green.

“The course has changed and improved a lot since then and the resort itself is unbelievable now so I’m excited to see what the week brings.”

Levet will need to outplay a formidable field if he is to emulate his triumph from a decade ago.

Former World No. 1 Ian Woosnam and Paul McGinley, who returns to action this week after a successful week as host of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, are just two of a plethora of former Ryder Cup stars set to contest the title.

Meanwhile, defending champion Magnus P Atlevi will be bidding to recapture the crown he won at Bulgaria’s Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort, 12 months ago, with Santiago Luna, who won the inaugural contest at Linna Golf & Country Club, in Finland, in 2017, also set to tee up his title challenge.

Argentina’s José Coceres, who sits atop the Staysure Tour Order of Merit, will start the tournament among the favourites after capturing his first Staysure Tour title at last week’s Swiss Seniors Open at Bad Ragaz.

Levet gets his first round under way at 10:10am, with past champions Atlevi and Luna paired in the first group of the day to play off the first tee at 9am.

•The first round of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship at Firestone CC was interrupted by a thunderstorm with US Senior Open winner Steve Stricker in first place on five-under with a hole to play.

With some players having only just started their rounds, Miguel Angel Jimenez wa in a share of third place with South African Retief Goosen in 12th alongside Colin Montgomerie.

You can follow live scoring in Ohio here

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Graeme McDowell is looking forward to teeing it up in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club, in County Clare

MAJOR champion Graeme McDowell will be targeting a second win of the 2019 season when he returns to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open this July, after the Northern Irishman claimed his first international title in four years last week.

The 2010 US Open Champion is a popular figure on Irish soil and is sure to receive a hero’s welcome from the home fans at the second Rolex Series event of the year, following his 15^th professional victory in the Dominican Republic, on the PGA Tour, on Sunday.

He joins 2018 Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood, former World Number One Lee Westwood and fellow Major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Danny Willett, among others, in what is shaping up to be a world-class field for the July showpiece.

McDowell will return to the majestic County Clare links 19 years after winning there as an amateur in the South of Ireland Championship.

This year’s event will be hosted by Paul McGinley and, having signed up a number of international stars to play, the winning 2014 European Ryder Cup captain will also be joined by a host of local heroes, including three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, who will captain Europe in the 2020 Ryder Cup, and the most recent Rolex Series winner Shane Lowry.

McDowell, a 10-time European Tour winner and three-time Ryder Cup winner for Europe – including winning three points from three matches under McGinley in the 2014 victory – has been an ever-present at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open since his debut European Tour season in 2002.

McDowell said: “I think this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is going to be a really special one.

“It’s obviously a tournament which I prioritise on my schedule every year, but Lahinch Golf Club and the town of Lahinch are really going to provide a unique experience for the players and the fans.

“The Irish golf fans are some of the best in the world, and with The Open Championship two weeks later in Portrush, it’s sure to be an incredible few weeks.

“After my win last week in the Dominican Republic, I’m feeling really confident about the summer ahead and hopefully I can bring my A-game to Lahinch.”

McDowell will be reunited in Ireland with hs 2014 Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley (left), the host of this summer’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

A world-class field is now coming together for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which is expected to provide a festival atmosphere and fan experience like no other, with the popular tourist village of Lahinch right on the doorstep of the famous links course.

Last year’s event – hosted by Rory McIlroy’s charitable foundation – attracted 94,239 spectators to Ballyliffin Golf Club, where Russell Knox dramatically secured his first Rolex Series title with a play-off victory against Kiwi Ryan Fox.

Scotsman Knox holed an incredible 40-foot birdie putt on the 72^nd hole to force a play-off against the New Zealander and then sank an almost identical putt on the first extra hole to clinch victory.

Tickets for the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com and begin at €23 for the pro-am on Wednesday.

Single tickets on Thursday or Friday are €30 while day tickets at the weekend cost €35 each.

An adult season ticket, which covers five days of world-class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, begins at €110.

Children under 12 years of age are entitled to free entry when accompanied by an adult.

Day junior tickets (12-17 years old) are €10 (€30 for a season ticket) while those aged between 18 and 21, as well as students with valid student cards and over 60s, will pay €20 per day (€80 for the week).

The only official sales channel to purchase tickets is via Eventbrite

Official Hospitality tickets are also available online or by calling 01344 840681.

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