Coronavirus: R&A clarify position on 149th Open golf championship in Sandwich after postponement speculation

Published: 12:22, 02 April 2020

Updated: 12:39, 02 April 2020

Organisers of The Open golf championship have clarified their position following speculation the event has been postponed.

The R&A has today announced no final decision has been made over this summer's competition, which is due to be staged in Sandwich.

The Open is due to take place at Royal St George's in Sandwich this summer Picture: Barry Goodwin

Speculation mounts as England Golf, which is responsible for other national events but not The Open, has extended its list of postponed championships.

It includes all events up until the week commencing July 27, 2020.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We are continuing to work through our options for The Open this year, including postponement.

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"Due to a range of external factors, that process is taking some time to resolve.

"We are well aware of the importance of being able to give clear guidance to fans, players and everyone involved and are working to resolve this as soon as we can.

The sporting event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of people to the area Picture: Barry Goodwin

"We will give a further update as soon as we are in a position to do so and thank everyone for their support and understanding in this challenging situation.”

The championship is due to held at The Royal St George’s Golf Club from Sunday, July 12 to Sunday, July 19.

It is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators to the area.