Dunhill is put out of bounds as safety is sent to the fore

While the European Tour has resumed with events already played in both Austria and the UK, the format of the Dunhill, played over three courses and with a massive amateur field joining the tour pros, is behind the decision to cancel this year’s running.

2020 should have been a celebration over the Old Course, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie, with the event expecting to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

But the champagne has had to be put on ice for 12 months, the 20th anniversary championship now rescheduled for September 30 – October 3, 2021.

A spokesperson for the championship committee said: “This is a real disappointment for ourselves and for all golf lovers, especially those that appreciate links golf.

“Alfred Dunhill has been supporting golf at the Home of Golf and in Scotland for 35 years, initially with the Alfred Dunhill Cup and for the past 19 years with the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

“We commend the Scottish Government in their resolute response to the pandemic.

“We do not wish to undermine their efforts or cause any undue risk to the communities that normally host us.

“Given the international nature of the event and in particular our large amateur field we felt that this was the prudent decision to take.

“The size and complexity of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, played over three courses with 168 professionals and 168 amateurs, makes it very difficult to stage safely within the current guidelines given the uncertainties we are all facing.”

The committee says it was working with both the Scottish Government and the European Tour for as long as it could before finally coming to the decision to abandon the event and have thanked those organisations.

It also hailed the European Tour for its efforts to get competitive golf up and running behind closed doors.

The championship incorporates two separate competitions - an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers and the team championship, in which the pros are paired with amateur players, creating a unique atmosphere with some of the biggest names in sport and TV competing.

This year’s event was due to be held over the weekend of October 1-4.

Last year Frenchman Victor Perez picked up the individual title.

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