Helen Holm event cancelled

Scottish Women’s Open competition is axed

A popular golf event, scheduled to be played over Royal Troon, has been cancelled due to the current coronavirus outbreak.

The course was due to host the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open from Friday April 17, to Sunday, April 19.

However, with the growing threat of the virus across the UK and beyond, the decision has been taken to cancel the event.

A statement from Scottish Golf read as follows: “While golf is a sport that allows players to exercise outdoor in the fresh air where the risk of contracting COVID- 19 is low, Scottish Golf ’ s decision has been made recognising that these events all attract international fields, to ensure the risk to competitors, officials and spectators is minimised.

“Scottish Golf will continue to respect government advice and work in partnership with organisations across the golf industry and more information about other National Championships will be communicated as this developing situation continues.

“All entrants of the impacted events will receive a full refund and Scottish Golf will issue further guidance to those affected in due course.

“We thank you for your understanding at this time.”

Sport across the board in Ayrshire has been widely affected in the wake of the coronavirus.

Rugby matches which were due to take place at the weekend involving Marr and Ayr were all cancelled by the sport’s authorities, while Ayr Hockey Club Ladies, who had planned a fundraising event at the weekend, were also forced to shelve their plans.

A spokesperson for Marry Rugby said: “Scottish Rugby issued a direction on Friday that suspends rugby ( training and playing) until 29.3.2020.

“This takes effect from today ( Sunday) and yesterday ( Saturday) our scheduled fixtures 1s v Hawick and 3s v Dalziel did not go ahead as our opponents opted to follow direction with immediate effect.”

Football was cancelled following an announcement by the authorities on Friday morning , including amateur and grassroots level.

Willie McIlvanney, Ayrshire AFA Match Secretary and Life Member said: “All Scottish football is now suspended until further notice with immediate effect.”

And a West Region SJFA, statement added: “Health is the most important thing and must always take priority. Further information will be released as and when we have it.”