Masters Tournament postponed until later date due to coronavirus

Officials at Augusta National Golf Club hope to hold tournament at later date

A flag with an Augusta National logo waves in the breeze during the first round of the 2010 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia. (Andrew Redington, 2010 Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Masters Tournament has been postponed until a later date due to concerns about the coronavirus, officials with the Augusta National Golf Club announced Friday.

“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,” Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement.

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Ridley said the health and well-being of people associated with the events, as well as the Augusta, Georgia, community, led to the 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,” the statement says.

On Thursday night, just after the first round of the Players Championship, the PGA Tour announced it would shut down all of its events until at least April 9 -- the original start date for the Masters.

In between the Players Championship and the Masters, the PGA Tour also canceled the Valspar Championship, the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play, the Corales Puntacana Resort and Club Championship, and the Valero Texas Open.

It’s unclear if the RBC Heritage tournament, held April 16-19 in Hilton Head, South Carolina, will continue.

The PGA Tour joined Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League in suspending its season. The NCAA also canceled the remainder of winter and spring events, including the NCAA Tournament, College World Series, Frozen Four and Women’s College World Series.

Here’s the full statement from Ridley:

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.

“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. We are grateful to all of these entities for their exceptional efforts and guidance.

“We recognize 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. Updates also will be posted to our website, Masters.com.

“As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we seek your understanding of this decision and know you share our concern given these trying times. Thank you for your faithful support.”


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Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.