Japan’s Hideki Matusyama will likely feel most aggrieved by the decision. The 28-year-old made a blistering start to the Championship on day one and held a two-shot lead after Thursday’s opener.

A statement on the Tour’s website read: “It is with regret that we are announcing the cancellation of The Players Championship.

“We have also decided to cancel all PGA TOUR events – across all of our Tours – in the coming weeks, through the Valero Texas Open.

“We have pledged from the start to be responsible, thoughtful and transparent with our decision process. We did everything possible to create a safe environment for our players in order to continue the event throughout the weekend, and we were endeavoring to give our fans a much-needed respite from the current climate. But at this point – and as the situation continues to rapidly change – the right thing to do for our players and our fans is to pause.”

Immediately after the scrapping of the Players, focus shifted to the Augusta major with the organisers there expected to make a statement soon.

Earlier on Thursday, 2015 Masters champion discussed the prospect of a firs major of the season without spectators. “It would be very unusual without hearing the roars echoing through the valley,” The Guardian quoted Spieth as saying. “You can feed off a crowd anywhere and it can also a add a bit of pressure as well, in certain situations. This isn’t ideal for anyone but I think if you polled the players we would rather have the Masters go on without spectators than not go on at all. I think you would probably get a unanimous vote on that one. But it’s a shame.”

World No 1 Rory McIlroy on Thursday said he did not see how The Masters could go ahead with thousands of spectators in attendance.

“I don’t see how they can let spectators in if they plan to play at this point,” said the four-time major champion.