Singapore: This year’s SMBC Singapore Open has been cancelled due to on-going concerns related to the Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

Organisers of the US$1 million showpiece have announced that the next edition of the tournament will take place in January 2022.

Jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation, the event has traditionally been held each January on the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club, a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF).

“While it is truly a shame that the tournament won’t be held this year, we have been involved in the discussions throughout the planning process and are fully supportive of the difficult decision that has been made by Sportfive. We shall all look forward to the return of the SMBC Singapore Open in 2022,” said Ross Tan, President of the Singapore Golf Association.

“The SMBC Singapore Open is one of Asia’s iconic events and a highlight on the golf calendar. We worked tirelessly with all the various authorities and stakeholders to see how best to deliver a safe and significant tournament for the players and partners,” said Patrick Feizal Joyce, Senior Vice President, Golf – APAC, Sportfive, the tournament promoters and a Full Business Member of the AGIF.

He added: “All parties, especially SMBC, Singapore Tourism Board and Sentosa Golf Club, were extremely supportive of the various operational options that were formulated.

“Ultimately public health and safety remain the highest priority for us and due to the evolving nature of the Covid-19 situation around the world, we felt it would be prudent for us to stay patient and work towards holding the next edition in 2022.”

The 2020 edition of the SMBC Singapore Open took place last January. Matt Kuchar, the bronze medallist from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, pulled off a stunning comeback in the final round to win the tournament with an 18-under-par total, turning the tables on gold medallist Justin Rose who finished second, on 15-under.

Sentosa Golf Club’s Tanjong Course is scheduled to welcome the game’s best female golfers for the HSBC Women’s World Championship from April 29 to May 2.