The Masters tournament allows a limited number of fans to participate

This year's Masters tournament in April will be attended by a limited number of spectators, the Augusta National Golf Club announced Tuesday. The club, which banned fans from the event two months ago, did not specify how many fans would be admitted in 2021, adding that spectators would be allowed if "it can be done safely."

The 2020 Masters was postponed from the usual April date to November due to the coronavirus pandemic and has been contested with protocols including pre-event virus testing for all players, caddies, club members, staff and other personnel including reduced number of media members.

Fred Ridley, the club president, said in a statement Tuesday that similar health standards would be introduced for this year's tournament, which is expected to be contested from April 8-11. The Augusta, Georgia club announcement is coming. as the state reported 16 new deaths from the coronavirus and 7,957 new cases on Jan. 11. For the past week, there were an average of 9,604 cases per day, a 55 percent increase from the average two weeks earlier.

] "Fol Due to the successful running of the Masters tournament last November with only essential personnel, we are confident that we will be able to responsibly invite a limited number of customers to Augusta National in April," Ridley said. "As with the November Masters, we will implement practices and policies that protect the health and safety of all attendees."

In November, Ridley said the club was exploring the possibility of significantly expanding the testing measures to facilitate a decision on whether or not to welcome fans to the next tournament.

Ridley said on Tuesday that the Augusta National Women's Amateur competition and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals – two events canceled last year – would be held on the weekend before the Masters tournament. begins. The club also plans to have a small number of spectators at each of these competitions.

"Nothing is or will be more important than the well-being of everyone involved," added Ridley. “While we are disappointed that we will not be able to accommodate a full number of customers this year, we will continue our efforts to ensure that everyone who purchased tickets at Augusta National has access by 2022, provided the circumstances improve."

Augusta National's statement stated that the club was working on all cardholders and that refunds would be given to those customers who were not selected to attend.