The Masters and other major golf tournaments are postponed due to coronavirus - CNBC

PGA TOUR flag during the first round of the Korn Ferry Tour's The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay golf course on January 12, 2020 in Great Exuma, Bahamas.

Ben Jared | PGA TOUR via Getty Images

The 2020 Masters golf tournament has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced on Friday.

"Considering the latest information and expert analysis, we have decided at this time to postpone the Masters Tournament, the Augusta National Women's Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals," Ridley said in a statement.

The announcement of suspending the PGA Tour's first major event is the latest blow to the sports world that suffered massive suspensions and cancellations due to the coronavirus outbreak.

U.S. pro sports leagues from the National Basketball Association to Major League Baseball, and a 30-day hold on Major League Soccer events were forced to react as virus concerns continue to attack the global economy.  

College sports have been affected, too, as the NCAA canceled upcoming events including men's and women's basketball tournaments that were scheduled to start this month. 

The Masters were scheduled to start April 9–12 but Ridley said the "ever-increasing risks" of spreading the coronavirus contributed to the "decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances."

In the U.S., the virus has infected more than 1,323, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 38.

This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

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2020-03-13 14:27:01Z
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