The coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the world of sports. The need for social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 has put a damper on most major sporting events with several cancelations and postponements announced in March and April. The NBA suspended its 2019-20 season1, the Football Association postponed numerous matches, and the 2020 Olympics were postponed until 2021.2

The world of golf has been no different, golf tournaments are also being canceled and postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The latest news is that golf’s governing bodies announced three of the four men’s major championships would be postponed including the 2020 Masters, which will now happen in November.

“We want to emphasize that our future plans are incumbent upon favorable counsel and direction from health officials. Provided that occurs and we can conduct the 2020 Masters, we intend to invite those professionals and amateurs who would have qualified for our original April date and welcome all existing ticket holders to enjoy the excitement of Masters week.” – Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club 3

 

Major Changes to the 2020 PGA Tour Schedule

In addition to the The Masters, two other major men’s golf championships will be postponed to dates later in the year. The 2020 PGA Championship, originally scheduled for May 14-17, will now take place from August 6-9. It will still be played at the TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. The U.S. Open, originally scheduled for June 18-21, will be played to September 17-20. The venue will remain the same with championship taking place at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Unfortunately, one major championship was not able to escape cancellation. The 2020 Open Championship will be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event was originally going to take place July 16-19 at the Royal St. George’s Golf Course. This is the first time since World War II that the golf championship has been canceled.

I can assure everyone that we have explored every option for playing The Open this year but it is not going to be possible. […] Most of all I would like to thank our fans around the world and all of our partners for their support and understanding. At a difficult time like this we have to recognize that sport must stand aside to let people focus on keeping themselves and their families healthy and safe. We are committed to supporting our community in the weeks and months ahead and will do everything in our power to help golf come through this crisis.” – Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive at The R&A4

 

Sources

  1. Steve Aschburner, NBA.com – Coronavirus pandemic causes NBA to suspend season after player tests positive
  2. org – JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE AND THE TOKYO 2020 ORGANISING COMMITTEE
  3. Fred Ridley, Masters.com – 2020 Masters Targeting November 9-15
  4. Martin Slumbers, TheOpen.com – Statement from The R&A / The Open in 2020 to be Cancelled