Augusta National Evacuated Due To Thunderstorms
Patrons and golfers were taken off site at 10.55am local time due to thunderstorms in the Augusta area
Augusta National was forced to evacuate patrons from the grounds on Tuesday at The Masters due to thunderstorms in the area.
The grounds were evacuated at 10.55am local time, with everyone being taken off of the golf course. It means the world's best players have a rest day, or afternoon at least, whilst the unlucky patrons with tickets for Tuesday will be guaranteed tickets for next year's Tuesday practice round.
Some players managed to get in nine holes early this morning but the majority of the field have had their preparations severely disrupted ahead of the Masters first round tee times on Thursday. The Masters weather forecast shows a possibility for thunderstorms on Wednesday, too, so players and patrons could face further disruption. The forecast shows the tournament days to be dry barring a 40% chance of early morning showers on Thursday.
"Due to inclement weather conditions and safety concerns, Augusta National Golf Club was forced to suspend play and, subsequently, evacuate the grounds at 10.55am ET for Tuesday's (April 5) Practice Round," Augusta National said in a statement. "The current forecast will not permit the reopening of the grounds.
"Purchasers of Tuesday Practice Round tickets will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase the same Practice Rounds tickets in 2023. More information will be shared with Ticket Holders of record in May.
"The safety of everyone at Augusta National was the determining factor in the decision to suspend Tuesday's Practice Round and evacuate the grounds," said Fred S. Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament. "We share in the disappointment of our patrons, though we look forward to welcoming them back next year."
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Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
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