The R&A Evaluating Plans to Stage 149th Open

The R&A says it is closely monitoring the constantly-moving situation in the COVID-19 pandemic and carefully following the advice issued by the United Kingdom Government, relevant health authorities and its own medical consultants.

The decision has been taken to cancel two international amateur events - The R&A Student Tour Series Final at St Andrews and Carnoustie and The R&A Girls' U16 Amateur Championship at Fulford, which were both due to take place next month.

"We have contacted all those involved. We will keep the status of the rest of the amateur championship season under review," said a statement from golf's ruling organisation.

"Looking to our professional events this summer, we are undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of our plans to stage The 149th Open at Royal St George's and the AIG Women's British Open at Royal Troon, which are four and five months away respectively. This includes examining a range of scenarios for staging the championships, with our focus on proceeding as planned, as well as considering other contingency options available to us," the statement added.

Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: "Our absolute priority is to ensure the safety of players, fans, officials, staff and all involved in our championships and that will be at the forefront of our thinking as we monitor developments.

"We have some time before we start building the infrastructure at both venues and so we are keeping the scheduled dates in place for The Open and AIG Women's British Open at this point. We recognise that this is a rapidly changing situation and we will keep everyone informed of any changes to our plans.

"These are difficult times but we are bearing in mind our responsibility for what's right for golf and most importantly for society."