This Is Why 2017 Masters Champ Sergio Garcia Won't Be Playing the 2020 Tournament

Spanish golf star Sergio Garcia announced his withdrawal from The Masters tournament with only a few days to go before the annual event kicks off later this week.

Sergio Garcia is one of the world's top golfers, having won The Masters in 2017, but this year he won't compete for the title again. Taking to social media, the 40-year-old shared that he tested positive for COVID-19.

Despite the setback, the famous golfer and his wife, Angela, felt "blessed" as they welcomed new life into this world earlier this year, officially making them a family of four.

WHEN THE MASTERS TAKES PLACE

Annually held in Augusta, The Masters was initially scheduled to take place from April 9-12, but due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the tournament got postponed to November 12-15.

Therefore, Garcia's recent COVID-19 diagnosis left him short on recovering in time to play in the tournament, forcing his withdrawal. He started experiencing symptoms over the weekend, and a subsequent test came back positive.

One of four major championships held in the world of golf, The Masters annually takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, where the likes of Rory Mcllroy, Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, and Dustin Johnson will face off for the title.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

Garcia's throat felt sore and a cough emerged while on his way home back from the Houston Open on Saturday. When the symptoms woke up with him on Sunday, Garcia and his wife decided to get tested. While Angela's result came back negative, Garica's was positive.

"After 21 years of not missing a Major Championship, I will sadly miss @themasters this week. The important thing is that my family and I are feeling good. We’ll come back stronger and give the green jacket a go next April," Garcia wrote.

A YEAR OF GAIN NONETHELESS

In April, Garcia and his wife officially welcomed their second child and son to the world. Excited about the new addition to the family, Garcia shared that Enzo was born on April 10.

The couple's first child and daughter, Azalea is now a "very happy" big sister. Two years older than her brother, Azalea was born in 2018 and elated about her new sibling duties.

ANOTHER GOLFER RECENTLY AFFECTED

The Australian golfer, Adam Scott, who also previously won The Masters tournament, also tested positive for COVID-19 late last month, forcing him to pull out of the Zozo Championship.

The positive test result came with The Masters less than a month away and more than a year since he last competed in the US Open last September.