WATCH: Shane Lowry reacts after 2020 Open Championship cancellation confirmed

Shane Lowry has reacted to the cancellation of the 2020 Open Championship by sharing a video message expressing his disappointment on social media.

In what is sure to be a pub quiz answer for years to come, Shane Lowry will have the Claret Jug in his house for two years running despite only winning it once. News of the 2020 Open’s cancellation was confirmed in a statement this afternoon which opened with ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel The Open for the first time since WWII. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for a great many people but we have to act responsibly during this pandemic and it is the right thing to do.’

It is with a heavy heart that we have to cancel The Open for the first time since WWII. We appreciate that this will be disappointing for a great many people but we have to act responsibly during this pandemic and it is the right thing to do.
Statement: https://t.co/brJfuOZSFP pic.twitter.com/iizOupOk4m

— The Open (@TheOpen) April 6, 2020

Lowry, who memorably won the prize at Royal Portrush in Co. Antrim last July, has himself released a video in which he says “Like everybody else I’m very sad and disappointed that the R&A has had to cancel this year’s Open Championship.”

Obviously im disappointed that I won’t get to defend the Open championship this year but I feel the RandA have made the right decisions based on people’s health and safety. See you all in Royal St George’s in 2021 pic.twitter.com/zr7uS80lgH

— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) April 6, 2020

He adds that “at the end of the day, people’s health and safety come way before any golf tournament and I’m sure the R&A have thought long and hard about this and have made the decision based on everybody’s health and safety.

“You can trust me when I say that the Claret Jug is going to be in safe hands for another year and I look forward to seeing you all in Royal St. George’s in 2021.”

No better man to keep an eye on the trophy for another year. Royal St. George’s in Kent will now host The Open between July 11 and 18 2021.

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