The European Tour announced Friday the Magical Kenya Open will not be played March 12-15 as scheduled in Nairobi, Kenya, due to the threat of coronavirus.
European Tour CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement there will be an attempt to reschedule the Karen Country Club event later this season, but there are currently no definite plans.
The Magical Kenya Open is not the first event the European Tour event has canceled this season due to coronavirus.
In mid-February, the European Tour announced the Maybank Championship, scheduled to for April 16-19 at Saujana Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the Volvo China Open, scheduled for April 23-26 at Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen, would be postponed.
The coronavirus has affected golf leagues across the globe. The LPGA canceled three-straight events on its Asia swing. Numerous other amateur events have been canceled and postponed.
The Government of Kenya advised Friday the postponement of all international meetings and conferences within the country while the coronavirus rages across the globe. The Kenyan government said the “suspension” which will be reviewed next month.
“We understand and totally respect the decision made by the Government of Kenya in these difficult times… I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank President Uhuru Kenyatta and the Kenyan Government for their unwavering support, alongside Kenya Open Golf Limited Chairman Peter Kanyago and Tournament Director Patrick Obath for their strenuous efforts and commitment,” Pelley said in a statement. “We look forward to returning to Kenya in due course.”
The European Tour is in Doha, Qatar, this week for the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters at Education City Golf Club. The schedule will resume March 19-22 at the Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf & Country Club in New Delhi, India.
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