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Just eight days ago Augusta National announced that the 2020 Masters is set to go on as scheduled amid coronavirus concerns, but according to a report from Joel Beall of Golf Digest, Augusta National is reviewing all of its options including playing the tournament on an empty course.
Tournament is still expected to play, per sources, but “everything else is on table.” Concern at moment is ensuring all competitors will have travel access to U.S.
— Joel Beall (@JoelMBeall) March 12, 2020
This report comes less than 24 hours after President Trump announced a travel ban from Europe, the NCAA announcing that the NCAA Tournament would be played without fans and that the NBA deciding to suspend its season after Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus.
At this point, it’s very clear that any and all possibilities are on the table when it comes to sporting events around the world.
Alan Shipnuck of Golf Magazine tweeted that he got a text from an ANGC member and they stated that ‘limiting patrons seems likely’ and that closing practice rounds and canceling the Par 3 tournament on Wednesday are possibilities as well.
Just got a text from an Augusta National member: “I believe the tournament will be played. Discussions are ongoing. Limiting patrons seems likely. Might be none at all. Closing practice rounds, canceling the Par-3…everything is on the table. Expect an announcement next week.”
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) March 12, 2020
The Players got underway at TPC Sawgrass on Thursday with no changes at all regarding fans or players so perhaps Augusta National is waiting to see what happens throughout the tournament this week before making any sort of announcement regarding the Masters, which is set to begin in 28 days.
They’re going to play The Players as planned w/ fans. Come Tuesday or Wednesday next week, if some fans in attendance are diagnosed with the coronavirus, then the Masters makes their move after that.
To me, this seems like a strong possibility at this point…right?
— Mark Harris (@itismarkharris) March 12, 2020
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