Masters 2020 Postponed Amid Coronavirus Pandemic, No Golf For At Least A Month

The 2020 Masters is the latest major sporting event to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Golf’s first major tournament of the year was scheduled to start on April 9 and end on April 12 in Augusta, Georgia.

“On Wednesday, March 4, we issued a memo stating that our plans to host the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals had not changed. Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus COVID-19 have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances,” Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club Fred Ridley said in a statement Friday morning.

“Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

“Ultimately, the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision. We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date,” said Ridley.

The Masters doesn’t announce its official attendance, but it’s been estimated that around 40,000 patrons watch the four-day event live.

The Players Championship was canceled Thursday after the first round was played. The event was scheduled to go on without fans because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The three scheduled PGA tournaments before the Masters have also been canceled.