The Masters will take place in November with no fans at Augusta National

Fans got close to Rory McIlroy at Augusta National in 2019, but there will be none at the event in 2020

The Masters will be played without fans attending Augusta National when it takes place November 12th.

The event – usually the first major of the golf calendar year – was postponed in April due to the coronavirus.

Fred Ridley, president of the Augusta National Golf Club, said an event without spectators was "very disappointing".

"We have determined that the potential risks of welcoming customers and guests to our property in November are simply too great to overcome," he said.

"However, Augusta National has the responsibility to understand and accept the challenges associated with this virus and to take the necessary precautions to safely control all aspects of the tournament.

"We look forward to the day when we can welcome all our customers back, hopefully in April 2021."

The American PGA Championship became the first major to be played in 2020 last weekend and was won by American Collin Morikawa behind closed doors.

The US Open will take place from September 17th, but The Open Championship – which was to take place in July at the Royal St George & # 39; s Golf Club in England – was canceled for the first time since World War II.

The Masters – won by Tiger Woods in 2019 – will therefore be the last of the three majors to be held in 2020.

The event will officially start on November 9, with playback three days later.