2024 Masters Tournament Weather Challenges at Augusta National
Discover the latest updates on the start of the 2024 Masters tournament facing weather disruptions at Augusta National. Stay informed about tee-off delays, inclement weather forecasts, and the impact on golf’s prestigious event.
The start of the highly anticipated 2024 Masters tournament at Augusta National has been disrupted by storms and adverse weather conditions ahead of the opening tee-off time on Thursday. Heavy overnight and early morning rain has soaked the course, with the situation worsening from 6 am local time (11 am UK time).
The Masters, originally scheduled to begin at 8 am in Georgia (1 pm BST), has faced a delay as tournament organizers closely monitor the weather. In an update on Thursday morning, they announced that:
“Gate openings and tee times have been delayed until further notice” and that “The first round will not begin before 9 am.”
A subsequent announcement confirmed the start time would be pushed back to 10:30 am local time (3:30 pm BST). The delay has forced the postponement of the traditional Honorary Starters Ceremony, which will now take place at 10:10 am.
- Weather delays have become a recurring challenge in recent years, with play being suspended in each of the last five editions of The Masters due to inclement conditions.
- The latest forecast predicts a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms in the morning, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph, and the possibility of further storms later in the day.
Tournament officials have warned that:
“Rainfall of 1.50-2.50 inches is forecast through Thursday evening,” emphasizing the significant impact the weather could have on the opening round.
While the start of the tournament has been disrupted, the weekend forecast looks more promising, with mostly sunny skies and lighter winds expected, allowing the event to potentially get back on track should any further suspensions occur.
The Masters, one of golf’s most prestigious and anticipated events, is set to tee off with South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen and the USA’s Jake Knapp as the first pairing, following the traditional Honorary Starters Ceremony.
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