How about Augusta in autumn?
An extraordinary Masters in November, when autumn leaves are falling at Augusta National, could cap a triumphant return for golf as organisers look to squeeze in the four major tournaments at the end of the year.
That’s the belief and hope of Ian Baker-Finch, who says there is merit in speculation that the US Open, British Open, PGA Championship and Masters could be staged in that order during a threemonth span starting at the end of August if circumstances allow.
In normal times, golf fans would be eagerly anticipating a spectacular start to the majors season next week, with Tiger Woods defending the Masters crown he won amid such emotional scenes last year.
The coronavirus has ruled that out with all tours suspended.
But British Open winner turned US golf broadcaster BakerFinch isn’t giving up hope that golf’s biggest events can still be played in 2020.
That includes the wildly popular biennial Ryder Cup clash between the US and Europe which could be held during that threemonth stretch in its original dates in late September.
‘‘If we get back to playing golf in maybe August, we could play all four majors, the Ryder Cup and the PGA Tour’s big playoff events in that final four months of the year,’’ Baker-Finch said.
Regular PGA Tour events have been cancelled due to Covid-19. The next scheduled tournament is the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial CC in Texas from May 21, although it is unlikely to go ahead with the US struggling to cope with a severe virus outbreak.
The Masters postponement to an undetermined date was its first interruption since World War II when it was cancelled from 1943-1945.
The PGA Championship, which was to be mid-May at San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park, was also postponed. The USGA is expected to announce later this week that the US Open will be postponed from mid-June.
There are also suggestions the British Open, which was to be held at Royal St George’s in mid-July, will be moved to September and that the PGA Championship will be played in October.
That would allow the Masters to be held in November, when turf conditions and weather best resemble April in Augusta, Georgia.
Baker-Finch believes that can be one of the most anticipated editions in the Masters’ 86-year history.
‘‘When golf returns, there is a real opportunity to be so appreciative of what we’ve missed. It will be a really exciting time,’’ said BakerFinch.