The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the Open Championship at Royal St Georges in Kent, England - an event that was originally planned for this week.

Instead, the 149th staging of the Open will take place next year, all being well.

But for now, Christopher Vogt laments the gaping hole in golf’s calendar …

"Golf’s oldest major won’t happen this year. That’s tough to take. But who doesn’t have a deep file of memories on which to draw at this unique time?

"The Open will return in 2021. But that seems forever away. In the meantime, my head and heart will be at Sandwich, missing the greatest tournament of all …

"Dunes, pot bunkers, and wispy knee-high grass.

Players wearing beanies.

Golf played along the ground.

Lesser-known players in contention early.

The giant yellow scoreboard that looms over the 18th green, especially at the end when, this year, it would have carried the message ‘See you at St Andrews’.

The proud, guttural roar that follows the birdie of any local player

Highlights of previous Opens, with Peter Alliss on the microphone.

Aerial vision of the course, panning back to reveal the dunes lining Pegwell Bay.

Snippets of Sandwich town and the Kent countryside.

Reference to Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond books and a devoted member of Royal St Georges. He called it, 'The best seaside course in the world'.

'The Champion Golfer of the Year …'

Ahhh, the memories! Let us know what you'll miss most about the Open Championship's absence from our TV screens this week. Tweet using #MissTheOpen and tag in @GolfAust and we'll share the best.