Coronavirus: Golf first major of the year, The Masters at Augusta, is postponed
The 2020 Masters, golf's first major of the year, has been postponed due to the coronavirus.
The iconic tournament, boasting Tigers Woods as its current champion, was set to be played April 9-12, but the decision has been made to delay the event.
The news comes on the same day the PLAYERS Championship, considered the unofficial fifth golf major by many, was cancelled after the first round was completed at Sawgrass.
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals have also been postponed.
Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, said: "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.
"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."
