“Mother Nature Impacts Masters Tournament: Monday’s Practice Round Cancelled”
The practice round at the Masters golf tournament in Augusta, Georgia, was canceled on Monday due to weather delays caused by threats of rain and thunderstorms. Initial concerns led to the gates opening at 8 a.m., but media arriving around that time were instructed to shelter in place, as reported by WRDW-TV. By 10 a.m., patrons equipped with rain jackets and umbrellas braved the drizzling rain along the course, though only a few players took to the field. However, practice was officially suspended and the course evacuated at 11:25 a.m., remaining closed for the rest of the day with refunds for ticket holders.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley expressed disappointment that patrons couldn’t fully enjoy the practice round, emphasizing that safety was the top priority in the decision-making process. Looking ahead at the weather forecast for the week in Augusta, meteorologist Jonathan Erdman noted an improvement in conditions following the passing frontal system, which brought showers and thunderstorms on Monday. While Tuesday is expected to be much better, the actual Masters Tournament starting on Thursday might see rain early Friday, which is likely to clear before the second round begins.
This contrasted with the challenging weather events that disrupted last year’s tournament, including rain delays on the opening day and strong winds affecting the second round. Hurricane Helene’s impact on Augusta National also reshaped the landscape, with significant tree damage caused by the powerful storm that swept through the Southeast in the aftermath of making landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. Despite the destruction caused by Helene, Chairman Ridley assured in January that the course has recovered with minimal impact on the playing surfaces, ensuring no significant differences in conditions for the upcoming Masters tournament.
