While the professional golf tours have been forced to shut down to reduce the chances of a further spread of the coronavirus, the elite amateur game has also been forced to suspend operations as international golf federations and Home Unions impose a halt on all international travel and competition.
All collegiate golf tournaments in the US have been cancelled for the remainder of the season, while among the many upcoming events cancelled in Europe include the European Nations Cup at Sotogrande, the Italian Amateur Championships, the Irish Girls’ Open Strokeplay, the Scottish Boys’ and Girls’ Championships and the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open.
The West of Ireland Championship at County Sligo (April 8-14) and the Peter McEvoy Trophy at Copt Heath (April 13-16) are also likely to be cancelled, as golf, and the rest of the sporting world awaits official word as to when it might be safe to resume competition. Current scientific advice is that the virus will not peak in Europe for another 2-3 months, effectively shutting down sporting and social gatherings until June or July.
