2020 Masters Tournament to be held without patrons

The 2020 Masters Tournament will go on, but without patrons

Augusta National Golf Club made the announcement Wednesday, confirming what Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis predicted last week. The tournament is scheduled for Nov. 9-15.

ANGC announced the postponement of the tournament in March, along with cancellations of the 2020 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and Drive, Chip & Putt finals.

“Since our initial announcement to postpone the 2020 Masters, we have remained committed to a rescheduled Tournament in November while continually examining how best to host a global sporting event amid this pandemic,” club and tournament chairman Fred Ridley said in a release. “As we have considered the issues facing us, the health and safety of everyone associated with the Masters always has been our first and most important priority.”

Ridley added that while the decision is disappointing, it’s incumbent upon Augusta National to make safety the top priority when conducting the tournament.

“Even in the current circumstances, staging the Masters without patrons is deeply disappointing. The guests who come to Augusta each spring from around the world are a key component to making the Tournament so special,” he said in the release.

“Augusta National has the responsibility, however, to understand and accept the challenges associated with this virus and take the necessary precautions to conduct all aspects of the Tournament in a safe manner. We look forward to the day when we can welcome all of our patrons back, hopefully in April 2021.”

According to the club, all 2020 ticket holders will be guaranteed the same tickets for the 2021 Masters. The club said it will communicate with all ticket holders and 2021 ticket applicants in September.