Sports cancellations are reaching totality, as the Augusta National Golf Club, host of the Masters, has postponed professional golf’s first, and probably most traditional, major of the year. It was scheduled for April 9-12.
“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,” Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said in a Friday morning statement.
This includes the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, scheduled for or to end April 5.
This comes after the PGA Tour canceled the Players Championship on Thursday, after the first round had been played and planned to continue with no fans on the course, and the following three events prior to the Masters.
The NBA, NHL, MLS and pro tennis’ tours have all announced suspensions of at least 30 days. The NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports finals, including the “March Madness” men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournaments.
As of right now — and things change by the hour, only NASCAR, planning to run races the next two Sundays in Atlanta and Homestead without fans in the stands, will be the only sports series in play over the next couple of weeks.
