© Ladies European Tour

The tournament broadcast live on Sky Sports and Golf Channel is expected to take place without spectators, after close consultation with the Scottish Government, Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland, the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour, in full compliance with the recognized COVID-19 protocol internationally and subject to official approvals required for athlete quarantine waivers.

The decision to go ahead with the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open 2020 was only taken after the organizers and stakeholders were able to ensure that an event was held with all the guarantees and protocols. relevant in place. The tournament has a solid operational plan, which has been drawn up with medical and health and safety specialists to ensure that all appropriate measures are followed and meet the high standards demanded by the Scottish Government as well compliance with all WHO guidelines.

Scotland's Catriona Matthew, Aberdeen Standard Investments Ambassador, said:

"We are all happy to hear that women's golf is going to pick up in Scotland and we are especially grateful to Aberdeen Standard Investments and VisitScotland for working so hard to make this happen, for putting all the necessary practices in place. linked to COVID-19 and for supporting women's circuits. "

The victorious Captain of the 2019 Solheim Cup continued:

“With the return of professional men's golf it is important that we can go with the flow so this is really great news for women's golf and I'm excited to get ready for my national open in just over a month . "

Scottish Carly Booth in the third round of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open at Renaissance Golf Club, last year - © Ladies European Tour

British No.1 Charley Hull added:

“The massive impact of COVID-19 has definitely put golf in perspective, but I know all players will be very grateful to Aberdeen Standard Investments, VisitScotland and IMG for working so hard to make these events possible. I know all the players like me have really suffered from not playing competitively anymore and while I will miss playing in front of the fans, I hope they enjoy watching TV and supporting us on the media. social. "

Jill Maxwell, Aberdeen Standard Investments, added:

“The decision to continue the tournament as the containment measures begin to ease was not taken lightly. The safety and well-being of everyone at the venue is the top priority and, as the title sponsor, Aberdeen Standard Investments will continue to participate in ongoing discussions with the event organizers to monitor the situation and respond. accordingly if the situation were to change. We felt it was important to honor our commitment to this event in order to help give a vital boost to the Scottish events industry. We want to show our support through tournament initiatives that will help local communities and charities. Finally, our continued commitment to the Ladies Scottish Open for a twelfth year underpins our commitment to equality by supporting women's sport. We hope that this news will bring some joy to sports fans who can watch it on TV and on various social networks. "

Fans will be able to watch the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open on Sky Sports and the Golf Channel, with enhanced content on digital channels, www.ladiescottishopen.com, @LadiesScottish #ASILSO #RuleTheLinks.

© Ladies European Tour

The AIG Women's British Open at the Royal Troon

The R&A also confirmed yesterday its intention to play the AIG Women's British Open at the Royal Troon from August 20-23 without spectators also due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be the first major women's championship to be played this year and will be broadcast worldwide to 11 million fans.

Martin Slumbers, Managing Director of The R&A, said:

“The AIG Women's British Open is important to the success of professional women's golf. We have worked closely with our title sponsor AIG, Visit Scotland, Royal Troon and our top advisers to find a way to play the Championship safe this year. "

“We believe the AIG Women's British Open is an important milestone for players whose playing possibilities have been severely affected this year. As they compete for championships in 2020 under historic circumstances, these athletes will continue to inspire golfers and sports fans around the world, who will closely follow the events of the Royal Troon on television and in the media. social. "

Peter Zaffino, President and CEO of AIG, said:

“As part of our commitment to supporting women in business and society, AIG is proud to ally with a world-class field of diverse female golfers who will have the opportunity to compete in front of a global audience.”

"We appreciate the collaborative efforts of the R&A, the governments of the UK and Scotland to implement the necessary health and safety protocols that will allow the AIG Women's British Open 2020 to be played in a safe and responsible environment. . "

Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture, said:

“Scotland is the land of golf so it is only fitting that we are about to host the first Major of 2020, the AIG Women's British Open. This is only possible because of the dedication of The R&A, who have worked with the Scottish Government and other partners to develop comprehensive plans to allow an event of this scale to take place, under the most difficult circumstances. "

“I am particularly delighted that we are able to support the return of professional women's golf, underlining our commitment to equality in sport and in society. The stunning Ayrshire coastline will provide an exceptional backdrop for the Championship, providing inspiration not only to those who watch and dream of Scotland around the world, but also to those here in Scotland who will be excited by the return of major events and championship golf. "

Japan's Hinako Shibuno celebrates with the trophy after the final round of the AIG Women's British Open at Woburn Golf Club - © Ladies European Tour

Nigel Huddleston, UK sports minister, said:

“It is fantastic news that the AIG Women's British Open is taking place this summer and is broadcast to millions of fans around the world. "

“The safe return of elite women's sport remains a top priority - we are working hard to ensure that nothing is lost of the great momentum that has been created in recent years. "

The field will be made up of the best players from the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings as well as players who have achieved success in recent tournaments held on the biggest circuits in the world. The prequalification and final qualification races for the championship were unfortunately canceled for health security reasons.

The Scottish Championship will apply strict health and safety protocols, including the creation of a biosecure zone. Only personnel essential to operations at the Championship site, namely players, caddies, officials and organizing staff, will be within the zone and their travel for the week will be limited to the golf course and at the designated secure hotel.

All staff will be expected to report a negative Covid-19 test from an authorized testing center and will be subjected to other daily temperature checks and rigorous protocols designed to maintain the integrity of the area and the health of those who are there.

The running of the championship is subject to obtaining the necessary authorizations. The R&A will continue to monitor pandemic conditions and work closely with the governments of Scotland and the UK and health authorities to ensure the safety of the Championship.

Alexandra Armas, CEO of Ladies European Tour, commented:

“We would especially like to thank the Scottish Government and VisitScotland, The R&A, IMG, Aberdeen Standard Investments, AIG, The Renaissance Club and Royal Troon for their efforts to ensure that women's golf is played at the highest level this summer. Our players are truly thrilled and immensely grateful to have the opportunity to return to work and show their skills on the biggest stage, in the birthplace of golf. "

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