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On Friday it was announced that the 2020 Masters has officially been postponed due to coronavirus concerns and now, just three days later, Augusta National is closing its doors to its members.
Golf Digest learned of the news after obtaining a letter from Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley:
“Beginning today, we are taking the necessary steps to curtail our operations so, by the end of this week, the Club will be closed until further notice. We intend to maintain our properties with limited personnel on site, and we will support our many other functions by working remotely where possible. But this is about much more than business continuity. This is about our employees, and the foundation of this decision is built-in upon keeping everyone safe while preserving the financial stability of those we care about most.
“We will continuously review this situation and send timely information in order to give clarity and comfort during these unsettling times. While we do not know what the weeks ahead will bring for our world, I know our Club will emerge successfully and stronger than ever because of the support of our members and staff. Please continue to take every precaution to stay healthy, and thank you for your patience and trust as we plan for the realities of this pandemic.”
The news of Augusta National closing came just before President Trump held a press conference on Monday afternoon urging people to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people for an extended period of time among other social distancing practices.
It’s worth noting that Augusta National regularly closes for a few weeks after the conclusion of the Masters each year before reopening in early Fall after the hot Summer months pass.
The Masters has not suggested any possible dates for the year’s first major to take place in 2020, but finding a date in either October or November could be a possibility.