Tokyo, Japan: The Japan Golf Association (JGA) has cancelled its remaining 2020 amateur championships.

In the wake of the continued threat from the Covid-19 pandemic, the JGA opted to call off more than a dozen events originally scheduled for the second half of the year.

“It’s an unfortunate and unprecedented situation,” said Andy Yamanaka, the JGA’s Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer.

Given on-going uncertainties related to travel and little indication as to when restrictions may be eased, Yamanaka said the JGA Board decided to make a judgement call.

“In every decision that is taken by the JGA Board, the health, safety and well-being of players, our staff and employees at the championship venues is of paramount importance,” said Yamanaka.

The most high-profile events that will not now take place in 2020 are the 62nd Japan Women’s Amateur Golf Championship and the 105th Japan Amateur Golf Championship.

Also falling by the wayside are the Japan Junior Golf Championships for Boys and Girls and the Japan Collegiate Golf Championships, which all fall under the auspices of the JGA.

On a brighter note, Yamanaka said it’s the intention to proceed with plans to stage a trio of JGA-managed professional tournaments this year – the 30th Japan Senior Open Golf Championship (September 17-20), the 53rd Japan Women’s Open Golf Championship (October 1-4) and the 85th Japan Open Golf Championship (October 15-18).

“At this stage we’re hopeful that these championships can go ahead,” said Yamanaka. “However, it’s too early to say if spectators will be allowed or whether they’ll be played behind closed doors.”