The Ryder Cup, scheduled to take place at the Belfry in two weeks time, has been postponed until next year following the horrific events which took place in America.
The European Ryder Cup board and the Professional Golfers’ Association of America made the announcement in a joint statement this afternoon after five days of deliberation.
"I think we all knew this decision was coming. There are so many reasons to postpone the match when you put the Ryder Cup in the greater context of things," explained Padraig Harrington who was due to make his second appearance.
Both captains also expressed their full support: "The decision to postpone is one of commonsense," said Sam Torrance who believes, "there will be time enough to discuss the Ryder Cup next year.
"The tragedy in America has caused us all to reflect and evaluate our own lives and relationships with family and friends," said the US Captain Curtis Strange.
"The PGA of America’s decision to postpone the match is very appropriate in light of the situation."
Harrington fully respected how difficult it would have been for the American side to take part:
"I don’t think the Americans would have been capable of focusing on the match. You need to be able to focus and that was not going to be possible, nobody could have raised their game under these circumstances."
Torrance and Strange will captain the same respective 12 players, the 10 automatic qualifiers and the two wild card picks they selected.
The exact dates of the three-day event have not been finalised but Harrington did highlight potential a problem of the tentatively pencilled in date for the same time next year.
"I think playing in September (2002) would coincide with the scheduled President’s Cup," explained Harrington who suggested a date in late May.
"Perhaps a date in late May would suit in between the first two majors of the year," said Harrington who also cited the B&H International takes place at the Belfry in May. A matter which could help in the reorganising and logistical necessities of the Cup.