Tiger Woods’ Masters defense postponed because of coronavirus

Tiger Woods’ defense of his Masters title has been put on hold after the revered tournament was postponed because of the spread of coronavirus.

The year’s first major was set to take place at its traditional home of Augusta National, Georgia, from April 9.

But members of the private club said Friday they had come to a decision which is “appropriate under these unique circumstances.”

“The health and well-being of everyone associated with these events and the citizens of the Augusta community led us to this decision,” said chairman Fred Ridley in a statement.

“We hope this postponement puts us in the best position to safely host the Masters Tournament and our amateur events at some later date.”

Augusta National was also set to hold the Women’s Amateur and the junior Drive, Chip and Putt Finals ahead of the Masters.

“As COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of people everywhere, we seek your understanding of this decision and know you share our concern given these trying times,” added Ridley.

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Day four —

Tiger Woods punched the air to tumultuous applause and chants of "Tiger, Tiger" as he sealed his 15th major title.

Woods was bidding for a fifth Green Jacket, 14 years after his last.

Alongside Woods chasing leader Francesco Molinari were Justin Harding (left) of South Africa and American Xander Schauffele.

Former US PGA champion Jason Day of Australia was also in contention.

Day three —

Italy's British Open champion Molinari was the leader after three rounds at Augusta.

Woods was two shots back and within touching distance of a fifth Green Jacket and 15th major title.

American Tony Finau sat alongside Woods. Finau dislocated his ankle in the par-3 contest ahead of his debut in last year's Masters.

Masters patrons were treated to an electric day of golf at Augusta Saturday.

Saturday is known as Moving Day and if you weren't going forwards you were going backwards.

England's Ian Poulter played alongside Woods and said afterwards it had been "fun."

Hospitality at Augusta is famous for offering affordable food and beverage options.

Finau was the first player in the field to reach 10 under par after a dazzling start Saturday.

Phil Mickelson is bidding for a fourth Green Jacket and sixth major title at the age of 48.

Rickie Fowler is arguably the "best player never to have win a major."

Molinari made his first visit to Augusta as caddie for his older brother Edoardo in 2006.

Day two —

Veteran Mickelson was playing his 100th round at the Masters Friday.

Play was suspended for a while because of the threat of thunderstorms in the Augusta area.

Italy's Francesco Molinari, the British Open champion, set the early pace and pushed the lead to seven under.

Left-hander Mickelson could become the oldest Masters champion -- he is only three shots off the lead.

First round co-leader Brooks Koepka struggled early on day two but rallied to share a five-way tie for the lead at seven under.

The weather warning came just as Tiger Woods was beginning his move up the leaderboard.

Australian Adam Scott, the 2013 champion, pushed the lead to eight under before dropping back into the pack at seven under.

England's Justin Rose, runner-up two years ago, had a Masters to forget as he missed the cut.

The other first round co-leader Bryson DeChambeau went backwards Friday.

Woods hit a stunning tee shot to 12 before the siren went to suspend play because of thunderstorms.

England's Ian Poulter kept up his challenge for a maiden major title with another good round at Augusta.

World No.2 Dustin Johnson was in a group on six under alongside Woods at the halfway stage.

Day one —

Tiger Woods is chasing a fifth Masters title and first since 2005 at Augusta.

The 43-year-old won the last of his 14 majors in 2008 and is on the comeback from long-term back injury.

Following spine fusion surgery in 2017, Woods crowned a remarkable season last year with victory in the Tour Championship, his first for five years.

Pre-tournament favorite Rory McIlroy needs the Masters to complete the career Grand Slam of all four major titles.

However, the 29-year-old Northern Irishman got off to a poor start on day one at Augusta.

Golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player got the 83rd Masters under way as ceremonial starters Thursday.

Rickie Fowler, runner-up in 2018, is still chasing a first major title.

America's Fowler finished behind countryman Patrick Reed last year.

World No.2 Dustin Johnson finished strongly to end four under par, two off the lead.

Former champion Jordan Spieth had a day to forget and ended three over.

Left-hander Bubba Watson is a two-time Masters champion.

Veteran Phil Mickelson, 48, is chasing a fourth Green Jacket.

Brooks Koepka pushed the lead to six under before being joined by Bryson DeChambeau.

The 2019 Masters Golf Tournament

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The PGA Tour had earlier canceled the Players Championship ahead of the second round and announced it was suspending all tournaments up to and including the Valero Texas Open the week before the Masters.

Woods won his fifth Masters green jacket and 15th major in a remarkable performance 12 months ago.

World No.1 Rory McIlroy needs the Masters to complete the career grand slam of all four major titles.

He would become only the sixth player to clinch the feat, joining golfing greats Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.