British Open out; Masters moved

MANILA, Philippines — The world’s premier golf bodies have amended their respective calendars for the year amid the coronavirus pandemic, wary but hopeful of salvaging a season while adhering to the guidelines of the health authorities that would ensure the safety of all concerned.

The US Masters, the traditional kickoff event of the world’s four majors, has been moved to Nov. 9-15 from its original playdate of April 6-12 at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, while the US Open, previously set June 15-21, will now be played on Sept. 14-20, at Winged Foot in New York.

The R&A, the official Rules of Golf, had earlier cancelled the British Open for the first time since 1945 based on the guidance of the United Kingdom government, the health authorities and public services. It will now be played in 2021 at Royal St. George’s in Kent, Sandwich, England.

The last major, the PGA Championship, has been rescheduled to Aug. 3-9 from its previous playdate of May 11-17 in San Francisco, California.

“This is a difficult and challenging time for everyone coping with the effects of this pandemic,” said the united group in a statement. They include the Augusta National Golf Club, the European Tour, the LPGA, the PGA of America, the PGA Tour, the R&A and the USGA.