2020 Masters Tournament Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns
By Michael Luciano
The coronavirus pandemic has forced the sports world to grind to a halt over these last few days, and the PGA is not exempt from this temporary freeze on athletics and public gatherings.
The 2020 Masters Tournament at Augusta National has been postponed, per an official statement from chairman Fred Ridley. Ridley claimed that this decision was made to respect "the health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community."
Statement from Chairman Ridley:
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 13, 2020
"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
In addition to the postponement of the famous tournament, the Augusta Women's Amateur event and the "Drive, Chip, and Putt" challenge for younger golfers have both been put on hold.
Almost all major American sports leagues have been put on hold indefinitely as the country and world as a whole try to figure out how to prevent the spread of this disease, and even the biggest spectacle in all of golf has been put on ice in the name of containing this virus.
BREAKING: Masters will be postponed, according to multiple sources. Announcement expected shortly.
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) March 13, 2020
Golf fans are understandably heartbroken by this development, but public health takes precedence over all, and if postponing the Masters can help prevent the spread of coronavirus, then this was a necessary move.