The Masters announced it’s postponing the iconic golf tournament because of “the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread Coronavirus”. In a statement released Friday morning, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said it’s the “appropriate” action to take under “these unique circumstances.”
It was originally scheduled for April 9 through 12.
It’s the latest PGA Tour event impacted by the COVID-19, the new coronavirus strain, outbreak after The Players Championship this weekend was canceled Thursday night. Golf is joining the rest of the sports world — including the NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS and the NCAA, among so many other sports organizations — in canceling or postponing competition.
Also Thursday night, the PGA Tour canceled all events through the Valero Texas Open in late March and through the first weekend in April.
Statement from Chairman Ridley:
"Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone @TheMasters, @anwagolf and @DriveChipPutt National Finals."
Full details at https://t.co/FX2AN1MLsY pic.twitter.com/Z2DjS5TYdG
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 13, 2020
Ridley said in a statement tweeted by The Masters’ Twitter account:
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.
We will continue to work with the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Department of Public Health, the City of Augusta and all other local authorities.
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