Augusta National will look to allow patrons for the 2021 Masters, scheduled for next April 8-11. The 2020 Masters, won by Dustin Johnson, was delayed until November last year due to Covid-19, and was contested without patrons for the first time in its illustrious history.
“Following the successful conduct of the Masters Tournament last November with only essential personnel, we are confident in our ability to responsibly invite a limited number of patrons to Augusta National in April,” chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement.
“As with the November Masters, we will implement practices and policies that will protect the health and safety of everyone in attendance. Nothing is, or will be, more important than the well-being of all involved. While we are disappointed that we will be unable to accommodate a full complement of patrons this year, we will continue our efforts to ensure that all who purchased tickets from Augusta National will have access in 2022, provided conditions improve.”
Meanwhile, the PGA of America pulled the 2022 PGA Championship from Trump Bedminster Golf Club in New Jersey, citing the Capital riots of last week and has yet to announce a replacement venue. This year’s PGA Championship, scheduled for May 20-23 at South Carolina’s Kiawah Island. There is no word yet as to whether fans will be allowed to attend. Fans did not attend the 2020 PGA Championship at San Francisco’s Harding Park, won by Collin Morikawa.
“Our decision wasn’t about speed and timing,” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh said in a statement. “What matters most to our board and leadership is protecting our brand and reputation, and the ability for our members to lead the growth of the game, which they do through so many powerful programs in their communities.”
