Melbourne, Australia: Golf Business Forum 2020, scheduled to be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on June 23-24, has been cancelled.

Covid-19 has led to the MCEC cancelling all its events until June 30.

The Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) will now deliver the Asia Pacific Sports Turf Management Conference 2020 later in the year at a date yet to be finalised.

“Given the current Covid-19 situation and MCEC’s decision, sadly we’ve decided to cancel Golf Business Forum 2020,” said Guy Chapple, Director of Golf Business Forum.

He added: “The Forum is a young and emerging event, and the uncertainty created by Covid-19 meant that we couldn’t be sure that we would be able to deliver another outstanding event.

“We’re supportive of the Australian golf business community, and we express our very best wishes to all who are managing their own way though the impacts of Covid-19.”

Mark Unwin, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, said: “We recognise the severe impacts of Covid-19 on our members and industry, and it’s important we provide as much support as possible during these challenging times.

“Many of our commercial partners and delegates have expressed tremendous support to continue with the event at a point later in the year, given the event’s importance for the turf management industry.”

Golf Business Forum is providing full refunds for all commercial partnerships and delegate tickets already purchased.

Chapple said: “I’d like to thank the Australian golf business community and our commercial partners for their support of Golf Business Forum. Later in the year, and subject to an improving situation with Covid-19, we’ll review our options to deliver an awesome event in 2021.”