Report: Masters could be played with no patrons on grounds

The Masters is exploring contingencies related to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, including play without patrons in attendance, sources told Joel Beall and Brian Wacker of Golf Digest.

Event organizers are examining all options, though the tournament - which will be played at Augusta National and begins April 9 - isn't expected at this time to be canceled, sources added.

The news comes the same day the PGA Tour announced tournaments will be played without fans, beginning with Friday's second round of The Players Championship and running through the Valero Texas Open.

Major championships aren't run by the PGA Tour, however, which ultimately leaves the decision to the Masters as to whether patrons will be in attendance or not.

The Masters was founded in 1934 and has been played every year since outside of a stoppage for World War II from 1943 to 1945.