AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 08: Patrick Reed of the United States plays his shot from the third tee during the final round of the 2018 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 8, 2018 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

‘Limited number’ of spectators to attend 2021 Masters

A limited number of spectators are to be allowed to attend the 2021 Masters Tournament at Augusta National, which is scheduled to take place from April 8-11.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (January 12), Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said by conducting similar health and safety protocols to those at the 2020 tournament in November – which was watched only on-site by media, club members and players’ families – the club is confident it can welcome a limited number of fans safely back to watch the season’s first major.

No specific number of fans was mentioned and there were no details given as to whether those who do attend will need to show evidence of a recent negative Covid test result. The club said it is in the process of communicating with all badge holders whether they have been selected to attend and refunds will be issued to those badge holders not selected. It is not expected that fans from outside of the US will be able to attend.

“Nothing is, or will be, more important than the well-being of all involved,” Ridley said. “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.”

The club is also intending on hosting the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on March 31-April 3 and the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 4 as scheduled. Both of these competitions were postponed last year due to the pandemic.