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The R&A is continuing to plan for a \u201cfull-scale\u201d Open Championship in July following last year\u2019s postponement due to coronavirus.<\/p>\nThe R&A is continuing to plan for a \u201cfull-scale\u201d Open Championship in July following last year\u2019s postponement due to coronavirus.<\/p>\n
In an update to fans, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said the organization was proceeding with \u201ccautious optimism\u201d but also had plans in place for limiting spectators or staging the event behind closed doors.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are focused on staging The 149th Open at Royal St George\u2019s from 11-18 July 2021 and on delivering a fantastic Championship for the country and the world of golf,\u201d Slumbers wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to assure you, our fans as well as our players, officials, patrons, partners, contractors and suppliers that we will do all we can to make this summer\u2019s Championship a huge success.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are acutely aware that this remains a difficult time for so many people and the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is causing substantial disruption to all our lives but there is growing cause for optimism with the rapid roll-out of the vaccination program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are undoubtedly many more pressing concerns facing people at the moment but we are trying to look forward with cautious optimism.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that seeing the world\u2019s best men\u2019s golfers in action at golf\u2019s original Championship will bring some much needed joy and excitement back into our lives this summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith that in mind, we have been working closely with the Government, our medical advisers and partner agencies as part of a rigorous scenario-planning exercise for staging The Open this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe continue to plan for a full-scale Championship but also have robust plans in place for a reduced capacity or behind-closed-doors model.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can also assure you that we would like nothing more than to welcome you, our amazing fans, to The Open once again this July.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be doing all we can to make that happen while ensuring the safety of all involved and following all necessary Government guidance. Thank you and stay safe.\u201d<\/p>\n