Irish Open to be hosted by Graeme McDowell postponed

The Irish Open, which was due to be hosted by Graeme McDowell in May, has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The event should have been held at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny from 28-31 May.

“As important as the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open is to all of us, everyone’s health is our only concern,” former US Open champion McDowell said.

“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the crisis and I hope everyone keeps safe and well during these difficult times.”

Sports of all kind around the globe have ground to a halt, with 12 of golf’s European Tour tournaments now postponed or cancelled.

European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley 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.”

He added: “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.”