Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Postponed Due To COVID-19

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open has become the next event in a long list to have been postponed by the European Tour due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open tournament was scheduled to be the European Tour’s second Rolex Series event of 2020, taking place at Mount Juliet Estate from May 28-31, with 2010 U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell as host.

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “The decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority. Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic.

"“With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation.”More from Pro Golf NowGolf Rumors: LIV set to sign Masters Champion in stunning dealFantasy Golf: Grant Thornton Invitational DFS Player SelectionsBrutal return leaves Will Zalatoris looking towards 2024Stars You Know at World Champions Cup Starts Thursday at ConcessionFantasy Golf: An Early Look at the 2024 Masters Tournament"

The 2020 event would have been the 66th edition of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, which originates back to 1927.

Jon Rham is the current/defending champion, having won the Rolex Series event twice in the last three years, including at Lahinch in 2019. Mount Juliet was set to host the tournament this year, and it would have been the first time the event was held as the Kikenny-based venue since 1995.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO, Dubai Duty Free, said:

"“We fully support the European Tour in their decision to postpone the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open. The most important thing right now is the health and safety of all the players, the spectators, the sponsors and organisers, so it’s the right decision.”"

Graeme McDowell, tournament host, said: “As important as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”

The Magical Kenya Open, Maybank Championship, and Volvo China Open are among the other tournaments to have already been postponed by the European Tour in these difficult times.