BEVERLY HILLS, March 26, (THEWILL) – With the sporting world still grappling with the debilitating effects of the coronavirus pandemic even as rollout of the licensed vaccines continue across the globe, it has been revealed that spectators at the 2021 Golf Masters at Augusta National will not be required to show a negative COVID-19 test to attend the event.
An email to that effect addressed to patrons read, in part: “Patrons with practice round tickets, daily tournament tickets and series badges will no longer be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, as previously published.”
However, the email was clear in suggesting that having a test was recommended: “While proof of testing will not be required for the ticket holders listed above, they should consider taking a COVID-19 test before traveling to Augusta.”
The event was postponed to November last year because of the pandemic, which made normal scheduling impossible. For 2021, it will tee off on April 8 and, like in most other sports, it is expected that there will be limited attendance this year, although the exact total allowed has not been made public.
At the November event of 2020, only members, members’ spouses and player guests were allowed to attend under strict health and safety guidelines.
Even though the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test has been waived, safety measures such as mandatory face coverings and social distancing will still be in place at Augusta. And for patrons with tickets for Berckman’s Place, a high-end hospitality area, they will have to abide by precautionary protocols that mandate a test 72 hours prior to their arrival as well as on-site at Berckman’s.
The postponed event last year was won by 36-year-old Dustin Johnson, where he set the Masters record for overall scoring at minus-20.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.