A limited number of spectators will be allowed to attend the 2021 Masters golf tournament later this year, competition officials have confirmed.
The major golf championship is pencilled in from 8 to 11 April and despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, some spectators will be allowed to watch the event live on site, provided spectators can be accommodated safely. However, the exact amount of spectators that will be permitted to attend has not yet been determined.
Augusta National Chairman, Fred Ridley, said in a statement: “The tournament will be conducted with similar health and safety standards to those previously instituted in November 2020.
“With these protocols in place, efforts are being made to include a limited number of patrons, provided it can be done safely.
“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.”
Last year, the 84th edition of the Masters was held in November after organisers were forced to reschedule the event due to the coronavirus crisis. Spectators were noticeably absent to prevent the spread of the virus, which also saw the British Open cancelled.
Ridley’s statement continued: “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.”
Furthermore, a small number of spectators will also be allowed on site for the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, which were postponed last year, in the run up to the Masters.
