Skip backs decision to postpone Ryder Cup

EUROPEAN captain Padraig Harrington believes postponing the Ryder Cup for a year is the correct decision.

The biennial match between the United States and Europe was scheduled to take place at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 25 but organisers have decided they did not want to stage the event without fans in the current coronavirus climate.

It means the competition will now take place between September 24-26, 2021 and every two years thereafter, meaning Rome’s turn to host will now come in 2023.

“Rescheduling the Ryder Cup was never going to be an easy decision given the many factors to take into consideration but I believe it is the right assessment given the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this time,” said Harrington (right).

“When you think of the Ryder Cup you think of the distinctive atmosphere generated by the spectators, such as around the first tee at Le Golf National two years ago.

“If that cannot be responsibly recreated at Whistling Straits in September, then it is correct that we all wait until it can be.

“I know, right now, that September 2021 feels like a long time away but it will come around quickly and I guarantee that the European players and I will be ready when it does.”

PGA of America chief executive Seth Waugh stressed public safety was paramount in their decision-making.

“It became clear that our medical experts and the public authorities in Wisconsin could not give us certainty that conducting an event responsibly with thousands of spectators in September would be possible,” he said.

“Given that uncertainty, we knew rescheduling was the right call. As disappointing as this is, our mandate to do all we can to safeguard public health is what matters most.

“The spectators who support both the US and European sides are what make the Ryder Cup such a unique and compelling event and playing without them was not a realistic option.”

Guy Kinnings, Europe’s Ryder Cup director, added: “The Ryder Cup is rightly celebrated as one of the world’s greatest sporting occasions, made special and totally unique in our sport by the fervent atmosphere created by the passionate spectators.

“While that point is significant, it is not as important as the health of the spectators which, in these difficult times, is always the main consideration.

“We considered all options including playing with a limited attendance but all our stakeholders agreed this would dilute the magic of this great occasion.”

The Ryder Cup’s move to September 24-26, 2021 means the Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, will now be played the following September.