Masters moves to November as majors reschedule amid COVID-19 pandemic

WASHINGTON - The world's golf organizations Monday announced a reconfigured 2020 schedule, featuring the cancelation of the British Open and new dates for the three remaining major championships.

In a joint statement, Augusta National Golf Club, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA clarified what golf will look like for the rest of this year in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that has put almost all sports on an indefinite pause.

The PGA Championship, which was due to be played in May, will be slated for Aug. 6-9, the US Open will take place between Sept 17-20 and the Masters has been moved to Nov 12-15, while the British Open was canceled for the first time since 1945, according to the statement.

"This is a difficult and challenging time for everyone coping with the effects of this pandemic. We remain very mindful of the obstacles ahead, and each organization will continue to follow the guidance of the leading public health authorities, conducting competitions only if it is safe and responsible to do so," the joint statement said.

"In recent weeks, the global golf community has come together to collectively put forward a calendar of events that will, we hope, serve to entertain and inspire golf fans around the world. We are grateful to our respective partners, sponsors and players, who have allowed us to make decisions - some of them, very tough decisions - in order to move the game and the industry forward.

"We want to reiterate that Augusta National Golf Club, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA collectively value the health and well-being of everyone, within the game of golf and beyond, above all else. We encourage everyone to follow all responsible precautions and make effort to remain healthy and safe," the statement added.