After playing the opening round of The PLAYERS, and announcing it would be moving forward without spectators, the PGA Tour said late Thursday night that it would cancel the remainder of the tournament, as well as the next two events, which includes the World Golf Championship Dell Match Play. On Friday morning Augusta National Golf Club announced it was postponing the Masters, making it the first time since 1945 that a major championship has been canceled.
“It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of The PLAYERS Championship,” the PGA Tour announced in a statement. “We have pledged from the start to be responsible, thoughtful and transparent with our decision process. We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend, and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate. But at this point – and as the situation continues to rapidly change – the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause.”
The tour’s decision comes only hours after it initially announced it would move forward with tournaments without spectators starting on Friday.
The Masters followed up this morning. After initially saying on Wednesday that the tournament, as well as the Drive, Chip, Putt National Finals, and Augusta National Women’s Amateur, would go forward, the chairman of the tournament, Fred Ridley, announced it was postponing the tournament.
Statement from Chairman Ridley:
"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
— The Masters (@TheMasters) March 13, 2020
“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,” Ridley said 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.”
The LPGA had already canceled the Asian leg of its Tour in February and was set to return March 19 in Phoenix but they too announced yesterday they would be cancelling the next three events, which includes the season’s first major, the ANA Inspiration.
Today, the LPGA informed its players that in an effort to minimize risks with the global outbreak of COVID-19 and following the California Government’s directive regarding events, the next three events on the LPGA Tour schedule are postponed.
MORE ⬇️ https://t.co/b3me1I0APi
— LPGA (@LPGA) March 12, 2020
“This is a difficult situation and as we navigate these uncertain times, we appreciate the support of all those involved with the LPGA. I am fully committed to rescheduling these important events on our 2020 schedule, especially our first major, the ANA Inspiration,” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “Our thoughts are with all of those around the world affected by this virus. And on a personal level, it pains me to see the impact of this health crisis on our athletes, our sponsors and our fans. That said, I know keeping our LPGA family safe, and all those who follow us safe, has to be my top priority.
The PGA and LPGA’s decision came as the NHL, NBA, MLB and other professional sporting organization canceled events as the virus continues to spread around the world.
How long the stoppage of pro golf events will go is unclear at this time. Even the Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to run in July, are in question as the world tries to fend off the Coronavirus.