For the first time in its 58-year history, the Northeast Amateur Invitational will take a break.
The 2020 Northeast, set for June 24-27 at Wannamoisett Country Club just outside of Providence, R.I., has been canceled. The event attracts top amateur players from around the country, and the world, but ran into multiple complications due to the coronavirus pandemic. Tony Romo played in the event last year, but withdrew after injuring his back.
“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of the invitees, officials, volunteers, staff and membership of Wannamoisett Country Club,” said tournament chairman Ben Tuthill. “We care deeply about amateur golf and hosting one of the top events of the year, and make this decision with a heavy heart. Many different considerations went into this decision and we must act responsibly during this pandemic.
“We know how disappointing this news is for the players that were invited and planned to participate in the tournament this year. The tournament committee will acknowledge all exemption criteria used for the 2020 field selection and will invite those players to participate in the event next summer.”
The Northeast regularly attracts one of the best and deepest fields in amateur golf. Last year the tournament was ranked fourth in the United States and ninth in world amateur golf events by strength of field according to Scratch Players World Event Ranking.
The Northeast is joining a slew of national golf tournaments on the sidelines this summer. The USGA recently canceled the U.S. Senior Open that was scheduled for Newport Country Club and five other national events. Also on the chopping block are the U.S. Girls’ Junior, the Junior Amateur, the Amateur Four-Ball, Women’s Amateur Four-Ball, and U.S. Senior Women’s Open.