Due to the uncertainty created by the covid-19 epidemic, and as a consequence of the lack of a satisfactory date on the schedule after the restructuring of various tournaments, the Open de España will not be held in 2020.
The cancellation comes from a consensual decision between Madrid Trophy Promotion (MTP), the promotors of the Open de España, the European Tour and the Real Federación Española de Golf (RFEG), and is based on two main causes: the current situation, which means the Open de España cannot be held as it was in 2019, maintaining the continuous line of innovation and quality that was started last season, and the impossibility of finding a suitable date after the adjustments made to the schedule, with many tournaments having been delayed as a consequence of covid-19.
“Unfortunately, we have had to make a decision that is painful for everyone”, said Gerard Tsobanian, president and CEO of Madrid Trophy Promotions. “However, given the current circumstances, we believe that the most reasonable outcome is to not hold the 2020 edition and now focus all our efforts on next year. The passion with which we embarked on this adventure remains intact and we are going to work to maintain our quality standards in 2021”, he added. “I’d like to thank all the sponsors of the Open de España for their support and desire to continue with us”.
“Spain has played such an important role in the European Tour’s history that we look forward to working with Gerard Tsobanian and his team on the return of the Open de España in 2021”, said Keith Waters, chief operating officer of European Tour. “Madrid Trophy Promotion’s sporting vision and commitment to golf ensures this tournament will have a bright future”.
For his part, Gonzaga Escauriaza, President of the RFEG, stated that “not playing the Open de España is a shame for everyone, but the three parties involved in its organisation are in no doubt that it is the correct decision given the huge uncertainty created by the pandemic and the difficulty of finding an ideal date. Despite that, we are still as enthusiastic as when we started this new project and we are now going to work together to make sure the next Open de España is just as spectacular and unforgettable as the 2019 edition”.
In October 2019, the MTP’s first year at the helm of the historic tournament, together with the European Tour and the RFEG, the Open de España attracted 31,219 people to the tournament over four days at the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, where Jon Rahm took the spoils in a successful defence of his crown.
Any fans who have already purchased tickets for the 2020 Open de España will receive a full refund in the coming weeks.
