Irish Open latest Tour event to succumb to Covid-19

The Irish Open has become the latest European Tour tournament to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Rolex Series event was scheduled to take place at Mount Juliet from May 28-31, with former US Open champion Graeme McDowell acting as tournament host.

“As important as the Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern,” McDowell said. “My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”

Including majors and World Golf Championship events, a total of 12 European Tour tournaments have now been postponed or cancelled, while the Tokyo Olympics have been postponed by a year.

The Trophee Hassan II, which is scheduled to be held in Rabat, Morocco from June 4-7, is now the next possible event on the calendar.

The US Open is due to take place at Winged Foot from June 1821, but the course is just five miles away from the coronavirus containment zone set up in New Rochelle, New York. A decision on the tournament is expected soon.