The Masters remains on schedule.
Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, said in a statement released Wednesday the club is consulting with experts concerning the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 and has determined the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on April 4, the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 5 and the 84th Masters beginning April 9 will go on as planned.
“The safety, health and well-being of everyone is our top priority at Augusta National Golf Club,” Ridley said in the statement. “Augusta National is not only monitoring the situation closely, but also consulting with relevant experts, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Georgia Department of Public Health and local authorities.
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“Based upon our knowledge of the situation at this time, we are proceeding as scheduled. We will continue to review the available facts and information with the experts and authorities, establish precautions and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of all involved.”
More than 93,000 cases of the coronavirus have been recorded globally; more than 3,200 have died from the disease. In the U.S., more than 130 cases have been confirmed; an 11th person died from the disease on Wednesday.
The Masters annually draws tens of thousands of spectators per day starting the Monday of the tournament.
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“We are asking that everyone follow the preventative actions advised by the CDC to mitigate the spread of any virus,” Ridley continued. “In addition, we strongly encourage all those traveling to Augusta, Georgia, to become knowledgeable of the most recent travel protocols and restrictions. Regularly updated information can be found by visiting the websites of the CDC and U.S. Department of State.”