PGA Tour Issues "COVID-19 Alert"... What About the Masters?

Recent Concern Over COVID-19 Spread in the US: Focus on Early Next Month's Masters

The PGA Tour is closely monitoring the recent spread of COVID-19 within the United States. Photo by Getty images/Multivitz

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist] A 'COVID-19 alert' has been issued for the U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour.

Commissioner Jay Monahan stated on the 11th (Korean time), "There are no plans to cancel tournaments due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)," adding, "We are doing our best to prepare for the Dell Match Play scheduled to be held in Austin, Texas, in two weeks." However, the atmosphere locally is tense, as Austin Mayor Steve Adler abruptly canceled South by Southwest (SXSW), North America's largest content festival, which was set to open on the 13th.

The MotoGP Grand Prix scheduled for early next month has been postponed to November. This is why there are forecasts that the hosting of the Dell Match Play is uncertain. Players have already started skipping high-fives with fans and are bringing their own pens for autographs, showing signs of change. Ricky Fowler (USA) expressed concern, saying, "It doesn't hurt to be cautious." The PGA Tour issued a notice asking fans to understand that players may decline autograph requests.

The main concern is the Masters on the 9th of next month. The gallery size and density are exceptional, with up to 200,000 people gathering in a single day. This year is especially significant as the 'returned golf emperor' Tiger Woods (USA) is defending his title. Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National, said, "We intend to proceed without disruption," and added, "We are closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in close cooperation with relevant agencies such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

Experts speculate that "Augusta National is likely reviewing various countermeasures such as cancellation, postponement, or holding the event without spectators." It is important to note that the Masters generates $125 million (142.1 billion KRW) annually from ticket sales, food and beverage, merchandise, and TV broadcasting rights. Even without a title sponsor, it produces a net profit of $30 million (3.41 billion KRW) in just one week. Unless there is direct intervention from health authorities, the possibility of cancellation is low.

Postponement is also difficult. Augusta National closes for six months each year to prepare for the Masters, boasting a carpet-like course without a single divot. The last option is holding the event without spectators, which is equally challenging. According to statistics, more than half of the CEOs of the top 500 U.S. companies selected by Forbes visit Augusta. It is uncertain when entry restrictions for players and businesspeople coming from around the world will be expanded. Ultimately, the trend of COVID-19 spread within the U.S. is expected to determine everything.

The Masters attracts up to 200,000 visitors in a single day, making the gallery size and density exceptional. Photo by Getty Images/Multibitz

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.