The PGA of Australia will postpone the Morobe Open and Papua New Guinea Open as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
The two events, staged on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia respectively, were set to be played in April and May, but are likely to be rescheduled later in the year.
The decision has been made in the wake of the World Health Organization officially declaring the virus a global pandemic.
The PGA of Australia’s Tournaments Director Australasia, Nick Dastey, says the safety of the golfers, volunteers and stakeholders was paramount to the decision.
“While it’s disappointing to postpone any event, the health and safety of our players, members, staff and volunteers is always our top priority,” Dastey said.
“As infection rates in Australia continue to increase, the PGA is working closely with health authorities and government bodies to ensure we adopt the safest practices to protect all those involved in putting together our golf events.
“We’re currently in discussions with all stakeholders to determine a revised date for the event later in the year. We will continue to review our position in light of the latest information from subject-matter experts.”
A four-time winner of the Australian Golf Media Awards, including Best Photojournalism, Best Opinion, Best Column and Best Photographic Presentation, Inside Golf Group Editor Richard Fellner is the quintessential Golf Tragic, having played the game for over 50 years (but has never gotten any better!) He has played and reviewed courses all over the world, and has interviewed many of the great players of the game (including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Greg Norman). Richard is a member of both the Australian Golf Media Association and the Golf Society of Australia, and has been a featured guest on many Australian "sports talk" radio shows and networks, including ABC Grandstand, SEN 1116, Melbourne Talk Radio 1377, 2GB and others.
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