The 2020 Masters Postponed

As worldwide reaction to the Coronavirus pandemic deepens, following the announcement from the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour that scheduled events - including The Players Championship and ANA Inspiration - were immediately cancelled, Augusta National Golf Club Chairman, Fred Ridley has confirmed that the 2020 Masters Tournament has been postponed.

In a statement, ANGC says: "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."

The Masters is just the latest event to be cancelled or postponed as the international community responds to this developing crisis. In the United Kingdom, we have seen the Premier League, English Football League, and Scottish Professional Football League suspend their seasons for at least the remainder of March, and the postponement of Wales v Scotland in the Six Nations. 

Further afield, the Champions League, Europa League and various football competitions across Europe have been postponed, in addition to similar action taken by the NBA, MLB, MLS and NCAA in the United States. Tennis' ATP Tour has also been suspended, while the Formula 1 campaign is now set to begin in May.

This is a story that changes by the hour, but the widespread response from the world of sport has been unprecedented, as authorities endeavour to best protect their players, staff, media and fans from the virus.