Patrons traveling to Augusta National for the first round of the Masters tournament Thursday will need to be prepared for unfavorable weather conditions on the course, as recent predictions call for thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.
In a weather alert issued at about 5 a.m. ET on Thursday, Masters officials said gate openings and tee times are delayed until further notice. In particular, they said the first round won’t get underway earlier than 9 a.m.
The National Weather Service in Columbia predicts a 90% chance of rain Thursday, with wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
The weather service on Wednesday issued a wind advisory, active from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects,” the weather service noted in the advisory. “Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Winds this strong can make driving difficult. Use extra caution.”
Patrons should bring a rain jacket or umbrella to the course if they want to stay dry. If they happen to forget, a Masters umbrella can be purchased at the tournament for $45.
In the event of inclement weather, Augusta National will post a weather warning sign on scoreboards and message boards.
When then sign appears, patrons are advised to avoid:
- Bodies of water
- Golf carts
- Hilltops and high places
- Isolated trees
- Open areas
- Wire fences
Suspension of play will be signaled by an air horn. Patrons should take shelter immediately if they hear the sound.
Daniel Miller is a sports fanatic who lives and breathes athletics. His coverage spans from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis for sports enthusiasts.
