R&A chief hopes for ‘significant’ Open crowd
THE R&A is increasingly confident that a “significant” number of spectators will be allowed to attend the Open Championship in July.
In an update to fans, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said the organisation was working on a “reduced capacity model” but was unable to give specific numbers at this stage ahead of the 149th Open at Royal St George’s from July 11-18.
“The situation with the Covid-19 pandemic continues to improve in the UK and the rapid roll-out of the vaccine programme gives us growing confidence that we will be able to welcome a significant number of fans to the Championship as part of a reduced capacity model,” Slumbers wrote.
“The pandemic has certainly not gone away, however, and is still extracting a terrible human cost in some parts of the world. Our thoughts and best wishes continue to be with all those affected.
“We are working hard with the government, public health authorities and our health and safety advisers to ensure that we comply fully with all emerging guidelines.
“I would like to be able to give greater clarity on our plans at this stage, but we recognise that a number of important decisions have still to be made by the government, on issues such as social distancing, testing and Covid certification, which will have a significant bearing on the potential level of attendance at the Championship.
“Our end goal remains to stage a fantastic Open at Royal St George’s.
“It has been too long since we have been able to see the world’s best men’s golfers competing on one of our greatest links courses and I’m sure you are looking forward as eagerly as I am to what will be a truly memorable sporting occasion.”