Augusta mayor says Masters likely to be played without patrons

Fans and golfers alike better get used to spectator-less major golf, as it seems the Masters is set to be yet another major tournament that won't have patrons in attendance.

"I think, as you see, the tournament's happening tomorrow - the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park - without fans. And that's likely what probably will happen here at Augusta. We have a tournament without fans," Augusta mayor Hardie Davis told WRDW.

The PGA Tour has operated events without fans since golf returned to action in June. Both the PGA Championship - which kicks off Thursday - and the U.S. Open are being played without spectators on the grounds.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the Open Championship in England and forced the Masters to move its dates back from April to November.