The 2020 Irish Open has been postponed as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic that has halted almost all golf competitions across the world.

The European Tour confirmed the decision on Monday and it has become the 12th tour event to be either postponed or cancelled recently.

This year’s edition was set to be held at the Mount Juliet Estate from 28-31 May, with local boy Graeme McDowell as the host.

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In a statement, European Tour CEO Keith Pelley said the decision was based on negotiations with the organisers in order to ensure the safety of the public and players involved.

‘Our thoughts are with everyone right now and we are all united in trying to fight the spread of the pandemic.

‘With this in mind, we will continue to evaluate all aspects of our 2020 European Tour schedule, and discussions on the rescheduling of postponed events will remain ongoing until we have clarity on the global situation,’ Pelley said.

The tournament would have seen the likes of world No 1 Rory McIlroy, last year’s Open champion Shane Lowry, as well as Race to Dubai winner and defending Irish Open champion Jon Rahm in attendance.

No indication was given by Pelley as to when the event could be rescheduled given the magnitude of the pandemic.

Many competitions across the world, including Majors such as the Masters, have had to be postponed in recent weeks.