The Open Championship could follow in the footsteps of Wimbledon to be cancelled and not postponed, according to fresh reports.

Reports cite high-ranking sources who believe, like tennis’ grand-slam event Wimbledon which was set for 29 June, the Major could be scrapped for 2020 and not postponed like The Masters and the PGA Championship.

Royal St George’s Golf Club, who last hosted The Open in 2011, is due to host the event starting 16 July but now there are growing fears of golf only resuming in August. They will not retain hosting rights in 2021 with St Andrews set to return to the Major stage. Royal Liverpool and Royal Troon following on from the Old Course.

The R&A are heavily insured against a pandemic and may announce its decision as soon as Thursday, 2 April.

‘The R&A is the most [insured] of all the tournaments,’ a source said. ‘They have complete cancellation insurance. I just don’t see any golf [being played] before August.’

The Open has been played every year since 1946 with the 1945 edition cancelled due to World War II.

Ireland’s Shane Lowry is the defending champion.