adminLONDON. — The R&A is confident of welcoming a “significant number” of fans to The 149th Open golf tournament this summer at Royal St George’s.
R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers issued a statement with an update on how preparations were going for this year’s contest in July, after the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A final decision on the number of fans allowed on site from July 11-18 has yet to be decided, with government decisions on social distancing, testing and Covid certification needing to be confirmed before an attendance limit can be announced.
In a statement, Slumbers said: “As we look forward with increasing optimism, and continuing caution, to an exciting summer of sport in the UK, I would like to update you on our planning for The 149th Open at Royal St George’s from July 11-18, 2021.
“The situation with the Covid-19 pandemic continues to improve in the UK and the rapid roll-out of the vaccine programme gives us growing confidence that we will be able to welcome a significant number of fans to the Championship as part of a reduced capacity model.
“The pandemic has certainly not gone away, however, and is still extracting a terrible human cost in some parts of the world. Our thoughts and best wishes continue to be with all those affected.
“We are working hard with the government, public health authorities and our health and safety advisers to ensure that we comply fully with all emerging guidelines. Our absolute priority is to ensure we can stage The Open safely for all involved. — Sky Sports
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