Augusta, Georgia, United States: Augusta National will consider hosting the Masters in autumn, after the first Major of the year was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The 84th edition of the Masters had been scheduled to tee-off on April 9.

However, Fred Ridley, Augusta’s Chairman, has announced that the Masters will not now take place in its traditional April time slot. According to The Guardian newspaper, September and October have initially been mooted as potential new dates.

In a statement released yesterday, Ridley said: “The health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision.

“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.

“Unfortunately, the ever-increasing risks associated with the widespread coronavirus have led us to a decision that undoubtedly will be disappointing to many, although I am confident is appropriate under these unique circumstances.

“As coronavirus continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we seek your understanding of this decision and know you share our concern given these trying times.”

It is the Masters’ first postponement since World War II.

On Friday, the PGA Tour stopped play until after the Valero Texas Open, which was scheduled to end on April 5.