Masters is postponed as PGA Tour further extends coronavirus cancellations

PGA Tour chiefs have made a further announcement regarding coronavirus - this time sensationally postponing the Masters.

The first Major of the season was due to start on April 9, but the health scare spreading across the world means that will no longer be the case.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National, said on Friday afternoon: "The health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision."

On Thursday afternoon, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said the final three rounds of the Players Championship would be staged without fans, but by Friday morning the event had been abandoned, along with all the events up to the Masters.

The Masters had remained on the schedule, but has eventually fallen, and it remains to be seen how the rest of the golfing season will be restructured.

All Players outright, match-bet and other stakes will be voided and returned, aside from those on the first round only. Hideki Matsuyama was the first-round leader.

Matsuyama shortened from 28-1 to 7-2 for the title after his Thursday 63, so his backers will feel most heartbroken by the abandonment.

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