121st Dispatch Trophy postponed due to coronavirus crisis

The 121st Dispatch Trophy, scheduled to be held at the end of May, has been postponed due to the continuing threat posed by the spread of the coronavirus.
Mortonhall have won the Dispatch Trophy for the last two years. The Capital club's bid for a hat-trick could take place later in the year. Picture: Edinburgh Evening NewsMortonhall have won the Dispatch Trophy for the last two years. The Capital club's bid for a hat-trick could take place later in the year. Picture: Edinburgh Evening News
Mortonhall have won the Dispatch Trophy for the last two years. The Capital club's bid for a hat-trick could take place later in the year. Picture: Edinburgh Evening News

The decision was taken following consultation between the Edinburgh Evening News and Edinburgh Leisure.

The Braids, home of the historic event, is currently closed along with every other course in the UK in accordance with the Government’s lockdown guidelines.

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It is hoped that the popular team tournament, which is sponsored by Loanhead-based golfclubs4cash, can be rescheduled for later in the year.

Edinburgh Evening News Editorial Director Frank O’Donnell said: “We understand it will be disappointing for players and clubs to postpone the Dispatch Trophy.

“However, the number one priority is the health and safety of golfers, officials, volunteers and staff involved in the tournament.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the event for their support and understanding.

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“We are looking at options to reschedule the Dispatch Trophy for later in the year.”

Mortonhall have won the event for the last two years, marking their debut by beating a Tantallon team in the 2018 final before beating Royal Burgess in the trophy decider last year.

"That’s disappointing but inevitable given the current situation," said Ian Dickson, a member of the triumphant team on both occasions, of the postponement.

"The Mortonhall team were all looking forward to getting back to the Braids and defending the magnificent trophy.

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"It looked likely that the same pool of players would be available to play in this years event.

"In these uncertain and unprecedented times, we need to just take things a day, a week and a month at a time and follow current government guidance.

"Hopefully with this, we can all return to normal golfing practices sooner rather than later.

"Meantime, I wish all my fellow golfers and their families a safe passage through the current pandemic."

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First held in 1890, the last time the Dispatch Trophy did not take place was in 1945, which was due to the Second World War.

The postponement of this year's event falls into line with decisions being taken about most golf tournaments around the world.

The European Tour has either postponed or cancelled events until the last week in June, with a decision on this summer's Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club likely to be made soon.

Scottish Golf, meanwhile, has scrapped its entire 2020 schedule and also its performance programmes.

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Events lost as a consequence of that decision include the Scottish Men's Open Championship, which was due to be held at Muirfield at the same time as the Dispatch Trophy.

The PING Scottish Mixed Championship, scheduled for Gullane in September, has also been scrapped.