By Kent Gray
The Aramco Saudi Ladies International has been postponed a week out from the inaugural staging of the trailblazing professional women’s golf event as the coronavirus pandemic continues to stall sport in every corner of the world.

Tournament promoters Golf Saudi and the Ladies European Tour (LET) announced the decision to delay the $1 million event, scheduled for March 19-22, in a joint statement late on Friday night (UAE time).

No new date for the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club event has been announced although Golf Saudi CEO Majed Al Sorour said “we will be looking to confirm a new date as soon as we possibly can.”

The decision makes this the second major Middle East golf event impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic after the MENA Tour announced on March 5 that it had postponed the second half of the regional development circuit until September-December.

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Golf Saudi and the LET said it was with the “deepest regret that we confirm that the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund… has been postponed with immediate effect due to the implications of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.”

“Despite applying comprehensive health and safety measures, the tournament committee has decided the only course of action given the escalating severity of the situation is to postpone.”

LET CEO Alexandra Armas confirmed discussions about rescheduling the tournament were already underway as the LET and Golf Saudi double down on their commitment to bring the first-ever female professional golf tournament to the Kingdom.

“There is no doubt that the last few weeks have been extremely challenging for sports and postponing next week’s tournament has not been an easy decision, but we fully appreciate the recent restrictions which have been introduced in respect of travel into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Armas said.

“Even though this was not our desired outcome, I wish to thank the Promoter and event owner Golf Saudi for looking into every possible option to make this event happen. We were so impressed with their passion and efforts, and we will work closely with them to find a date in the future to deliver this historic event for our members.”

Al Sorour, the CEO of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, said: “Although we are understandably saddened to have to announce this postponement today, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors, our partners and the players for showing their commitment to the inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund.

“This event represents a landmark occasion for everyone in the Kingdom and for women’s sport, and we remain fully committed to allowing the best players in the world to compete here. In consultation with our partners, we will be looking to confirm a new date as soon as we possibly can.”

The impact of COVID-19 on golf continues to sweep the globe. In the latest development, Augusta National Golf Club has postponed the 2020 Masters after the PGA Tour cancelled the Players Championship after Thursday’s opening round and the three following events, including a WGC event.