THE RYDER CUP IS POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT YEAR

After months of speculation and debate, The 2020 Ryder Cup has finally been postponed until next year.

The news came as part of a joint announcement from the PGA of America, European Tour and PGA Tour, after the organisers decided that playing the Ryder Cup without spectators was "not a realistic option".

The 43rd Ryder Cup, which was due to be played from 22-27 September 2020 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin, has been rescheduled to 21-26 September 2021.

As a result, next year's Presidents Cup, which is run by the PGA Tour and alternates with the Ryder Cup, has been pushed back to September 2022.

The Junior Ryder Cup has also been postponed. The event, which was due to be played from 21-22 September 2020 at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, has been rescheduled to 20-21 September 2021.

After Whistling Straits, The Ryder Cup will shift back to its original cycle of odd-numbered years. The cycle was changed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States pushed the 2001 event back to 2002. This move will allow the Ryder Cup to avoid the Olympics after 2021. It will also give Italy another year to prepare as hosts for 2023 and allow Ireland the chance to celebrate hosting the event in 2027, which is its centenary year.

The PGA of America CEO, Seth Waugh, said:

“It became clear that as of today, our medical experts and the public authorities in Wisconsin could not give us certainty that conducting an event responsibly with thousands of spectators in September would be possible. Given that uncertainty, we knew rescheduling was the right call."

“As disappointing as this is, our mandate to do all we can to safeguard public health is what matters most. The spectators who support both the U.S. and European sides are what make the Ryder Cup such a unique and compelling event and playing without them was not a realistic option."

European Ryder Cup Captain, Pádraig Harrington, said:

“Rescheduling the Ryder Cup was never going to be an easy decision given the many factors to take into consideration. But I believe it is the right assessment given the unprecedented circumstances we are facing at this time."

“When you think of the Ryder Cup you think of the distinctive atmosphere generated by the spectators, such as around the first tee at Le Golf National two years ago. If that cannot be responsibly recreated at Whistling Straits in September, then it is correct that we all wait until it can be."

“I know, right now, that September 2021 feels like a long time away. But it will come around quickly and I guarantee that the European players and I will be ready when it does.”