Masters officials confirm 'delay' as weather frustrates fans on day one at Augusta

Masters officials confirm 'delay' as weather frustrates fans on day one at Augusta

WATCH NOW: Tiger Woods speaks ahead of the Masters

Lewis Winter

By Lewis Winter


Published: 11/04/2024

- 07:48

Inclement weather is set to hit the famous golf course this week

Masters officials have confirmed that bad weather will force a delay to gate openings on day one at Augusta on Thursday.

Thunderstorms are set to sweep in and there is a strong chance the opening round could be hit with disruptions.


Anticipation is building ahead of the first major of the year as Jon Rahm looks to defend the green jacket he won 12 months ago.

Rory McIlroy is aiming to end his 10-year wait for a major and finally end his hoodoo at Augusta, claiming golf's career grand slam in the process.

The Masters

Masters fans will be delayed entry on day one at Augusta

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But fans face frustration on the opening day of the tournament due to the weather conditions.

A statement released by Masters chiefs on Wednesday evening confirmed that they had already taken the decision to delay the time supporters can enter the course.

Car parking is also closed as fans will be forced to alter their plans if they have a ticket for Thursday's action.

The statement reads: "Due to forecasted weather on Thursday, we have decided to delay all gate openings in the morning.

"All Masters free parking will be closed until further notice while gate openings are delayed.

"Further updates will be shared no later than 5am (11am BST) via Masters.com and social channels."

Forecasts predicted bad weather for Thursday earlier this week, so the news doesn't come as a big surprise.

The worst of the rainfall at Augusta is expected in the morning and evening on Thursday.

A weather update reads: "A secondary stronger band of heavy rain and thunderstorms along a cold front is forecast from 6-11am (11am-4pm BST) Thursday.

"Occasional wind gusts of 40-45 mph are anticipated from 7-11am (12pm-4pm BST).

"A lull in precipitation should occur behind the cold front through 3pm (8pm BST) before scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms drift back into the region for the late afternoon and evening hours.

"Rainfall of 1.50-2.50 inches is forecast through Thursday evening."

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Masters supporters will have to wait before entering the Augusta course

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The strong wind will remain on Friday but it is expected the rain will cease.

The weekend is expected to see fine conditions for the final two rounds of the tournament.

The update added: "Windy conditions persist Friday under mostly sunny skies as a dry and stable airmass settles into the area.

"Mostly sunny skies can be expected through the weekend with west to south-westerly winds in the 7-15 mph range."

Masters rain

The Masters has been affected by rain in recent years

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The Masters has been suspended at least once due to bad weather in each of its last five editions.

There has been rainfall in over half of the last 88 tournaments held at the Georgia venue.

The Masters hasn't finished on a Monday since 1983 and the weekend's forecast suggests that run should continue.

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