Slumbers Expresses Relief and Delight at The Open's Return

Sandwich, England: Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, has expressed his relief at the return of The Open to the schedule.

“After such a difficult time in the last year or so for the whole world, I have to admit we are relieved, thrilled, and a little bit emotional, I suppose, in being able to get to stage The Open once again,” said Slumbers, of the 149th edition of the world’s eldest championship that was postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He added: “It’s a great privilege to welcome the best men’s golfers around the world and a large number of fans to the championship.

“It has been quite a challenge being able to get to this point, and we’re under no illusions of the complexity of the problems that are caused by the pandemic, specifically when you’re trying to stage a global sporting event with players from 27 different countries participating and bringing them all into the country.

“We have worked extensively with golf and health authorities to be able to make that work, and a lot of that is what’s driven the restrictions on the players and all of those who are deemed to be in the inner bubble, which includes myself.

“We have seen some player withdrawals, but they have been for many different reasons when you look at it. Some of them actually totally unrelated to Covid.

“At the end of the day, what counts is that we have 156 of the world’s best men players teeing-off, and on Sunday we will present the Claret Jug to the next Champion Golfer of the Year.

“Getting here has been a challenge, but I’m really excited with the championship starting.”