The Masters has been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
The first men’s major championship of the year was due to begin on 9 April at Augusta National in Georgia.
Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National, said: “The health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision.”
“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,” Ridley added in a statement.
“Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread coronavirus have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances.
“As coronavirus 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.”
It is the Masters’ first postponement since World War II, which stopped the tournament in 1943, 1945 and 1946.
Earlier on Friday the PGA Tour stopped play until after the Valero Texas Open,which was scheduled to end on 5 April. There is therefore no golf scheduled on the PGA Tour until the RBC Heritage on 16 April, with the European Tour’s next scheduled event set to be the Andalucia Open on 30 April. The first ladies major of the year – the ANA Inspiration – was called off on Friday.
