Masters becomes latest high-profile sporting victim of global coronavirus crisis

Masters flag

The 2020 Masters has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, Augusta National Golf Club has confirmed.

Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta, issued a statement saying that both the Masters and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur would be held at a later date.

No future date has been given yet, although September looks most likely at this stage.

“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 wrote in a statement.

“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.”

It is the first time the Masters has had its scheduling affected since it was cancelled from 1943-1945 due to the Second World War.

Concerns over the coronavirus has seen sport grind to a halt all over the world, with just about every major event cancelled or postponed.