Hong Kong: On-going civil unrest has prompted the cancellation of next week’s Hong Kong Open.

The European Tour, in conjunction with the Asian Tour, the tournament co-sanctioning partner, has taken the decision to postpone the showpiece event that was scheduled to take place at the Hong Kong Golf Club from November 28 to December 1.

An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament to early 2020.

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour, said: “It is regrettable that the Hong Kong Open has to be postponed due to the on-going unrest in the city.

“The unpredictability of the current situation in Hong Kong makes it very challenging to sanction the tournament, especially with the safety of everyone of utmost importance. However, we are optimistic that once the situation in Hong Kong stabilises, we will be in a better position to sanction the 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open in the very near future.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “The decision has been taken due to the on-going level of social unrest in Hong Kong. As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action.

“The European Tour thanks everyone at the Hong Kong Golf Association, the Hong Kong Golf Club and all persons associated with the Hong Kong Open for their hard work in endeavouring to stage the tournament and we look forward to hopefully returning early next year.”

All pre-purchased tickets will be refunded. 

Henrik Stenson, Francesco Molinari and Patrick Reed were due to headline the Hong Kong field.