SCOTLAND’S top golfing event, which was due to take place in July, has been rescheduled for later this year.

The impact of the coronavirus saw the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open postponed last month.

However, the European Tour has now confirmed that the tournament, which will be played at The Renaissance Club, near Archerfield, will take place from October 8-11.

Keith Pelley, European Tour Chief Executive, said: “Since the suspension of our 2020 season in early March, we have taken a measured approach in reassessing our schedule, informed every step of the way by our medical advisers and government guidance.

“We have consistently said that safety is our absolute priority and that is why today we are announcing our resumption in two months’ time supported by a comprehensive health strategy which has been led by our medical team.

“Without question we have had to think differently about the remainder of our 2020 season which is reflected in today’s announcement.

“As golf’s global Tour, diversity is ordinarily one of our biggest strengths, but in this instance it has become one of our biggest challenges.

“Initially, therefore, based on the expert guidance we received, playing in clusters, in one territory, is the best option in terms of testing, travel and accommodation.”

It is the second year in a row that the competition has been played at the East Lothian course.

Last year’s event was won by Bernd Wiesberger after a play-off with Benjamin Hebert.

Among those hoping to line up at the tournament is North Berwick's Grant Forrest.

The 26-year-old, who finished tied for 43rd at least year's event, said: "It is great it is going ahead.

"Obviously, so much uncertainty in the last few months and the guys on the European Tour have been working really hard to put something together for us.

"I am glad they have got it on the schedule and I hope the weather is alright in October – who knows what it could be like?

"There was a point where I thought it would almost be a year off, which would have been a real shame.

"They have done really well to give us so many events already and with the hope they could add a few more."

Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesman for economic development and tourism, was pleased to hear the event had been rescheduled.

He said: “I very much look forward to welcoming world class golfers back to East Lothian for this fantastic tournament.

"We will of course work closely with the European Tour and in accordance with guidance on the detail of how the tournament can be run safely.

"It is an encouraging development and signals that Scotland’s Golf Coast will be back open for business this year albeit with some restrictions still in place.”

Councillor Jeremy Findlay, who represents the North Berwick Coastal ward, was similarly pleased to see the event rescheduled but stressed it remained to be seen how the tournament would look in terms of a crowd.

He said: "I think it is great news not only for Scottish golf itself but for tourism in general.

"Hopefully, by then, we will be able to have crowds as well but I am really not sure what the rules on that are going to be yet – whether it is crowds or played behind closed doors, it would be a bit odd if it was behind closed doors.

"In general, we will have to wait and see what the rules are about crowds.

"That is what produces the benefit in the short-term to the local economy."

Mr Findlay highlighted that the tourism sector had taken "a huge hit" during the coronavirus crisis and many businesses would have to survive until next year before tourism started to resume in the traditional way.

Currently, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open is pencilled in for August 13-16 at the same venue.

Last year’s event was won by Mi Jung Hur.