The Masters postponed
The 2020 Masters has been postponed due to the ongoing threat of the coronavirus.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley issued the following statement on Thursday: “Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament.”
The Augusta National Women’s Amateur has also been postponed.
It is the first Masters to be postponed or cancelled since 1945, the last of three Masters called off due to the second world war.
The news follows the cancellation of the Players Championship, as well as the Valspar Championship, WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and Valero Texas Open.
Ridley’s statement continued: “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.
“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 Organisation, Centres 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. We are grateful to all of these entities for their exceptional efforts and guidance.
“We recognise this decision will affect many people, including our loyal patrons. Your patience as we make every effort to communicate effectively and efficiently is appreciated, and we will share any additional information as soon as it becomes available.”
When will the 2020 Masters be played?
There is no date yet as to when the 2020 Masters might take place, though given the course is burnt out during the summer and the club is closed from May to October, the smart money is on an autumn date – with the distinct possibility it is held either just before or just after the Ryder Cup, which takes place from September 25-28.
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Alex Perry
Alex has been the editor of National Club Golfer since 2017. A Devonian who enjoys wittering on about his south west roots, Alex moved north to join NCG after more than a decade in London, the last five of which were with ESPN. Away from golf, Alex follows Torquay United and spends too much time playing his PlayStation or his guitar and not enough time practising his short game.
