The 2020 Irish Open has become the latest European Tour event to be postponed due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Graeme McDowell was due to host the Dubai Duty Free-sponsored event at Mount Juliet Estate from May 28-31.

It was hoped that the 2020 Irish Open would be able to go ahead and be the event to signal the return of big-time golf, but it will now not take place as coronavirus continues to affect sport.

“The decision to postpone the Irish Open follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with public health and well-being as our absolute priority,” said European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley.

“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.”

Interestingly, the Irish Open hasn’t been cancelled with a possible autumn date mooted.

The 2020 Open Championship at Royal St George’s continues to remain in the balance with a decision on the July 16-19 event set to be made in the coming days.

It appears unlikely the Open will take place as scheduled following the decision to cancel the 2020 Wimbledon tennis, which would have taken place at the same time.

The 2020 Masters and 2020 USPGA Championship have already been postponed from their April and May dates.

The US Open also remains under threat although a decision hasn’t yet been made about the future of the event at Winged Foot from June 18-21.

The 2020 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Whistling Straits in September, is also going ahead as scheduled as things stand.

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