Is The Augusta National SubAir System Set To Save The 2024 Masters?
The greens could yet return to their devastating best in time for a thrilling Sunday finish
Thunderstorms have delayed the start of the 2024 Masters and are set to cover Augusta National in as much as 1.5 inches of rain, which could significantly change the challenge posed by the iconic venue.
Much of the talk from on the ground in the build-up was about how perfect course conditions were thanks to a run of good weather firming the place up. It raised hopes that an even sterner Augusta lay in wait for the game’s best.
Those hopes were quickly dashed by the early Masters weather forecast, which foretold of adverse weather that was set to sweep over the area on Thursday, which has now arrived.
How much it impacts playing conditions remains to be seen, but Augusta National has a trick up its sleeve in the form of its SubAir system.
It’s probably something those tuning in will hear a bit about amid the day one deluge and it could just come to the rescue over the next four days.
A SubAir system regulates moisture levels and provide aeration and heat control, helping to keep grass healthy even when conditions are far from optimal.
SubAir Systems cost around $15,000 per green, with Augusta one of the small number of golf clubs around the world that can afford to have one in play.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
It also means it is an invaluable tool when it comes to removing water from the playing surface and drying greens far quicker than they would under normal circumstances. It was heavily used in 2023 when play was suspended multiple times and managed to continue despite constant rain.
With the angry skies set to make way for sun from Friday through to end of play on Sunday, the greens could yet be at their devilish best by the time contenders reach the back nine of the final round.
It’s something most will be hoping for as the game’s best all assemble for the first time of the year for what is arguably the sport’s most highly anticipated showdown.
A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he decided to go freelance and now covers a variety of topics for Golf Monthly.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Mizuno mp32 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
LIV Golfers 'Good Enough To Get In' Are Welcome At US Open 'With Open Arms'
USGA boss Mike Whan will welcome LIV Golf players with open arms into the US Open - if they are good enough to qualify
By Paul Higham Published
-
5 Expert Short Game Tips From One Of The Top Players On The PGA Tour
Struggling around the greens? Sahith Theegala shares 5 top short game tips to help you become a wizard with the wedge...
By Garrett Johnston Published
-
Scheffler The New Tiger? Time For Woods To Say Goodbye? 10 Takeaways From The 2024 Masters
We highlight ten of the key stories to come from the 88th edition of the Masters
By Michael Weston Published
-
Tommy Fleetwood Banks Huge Sum For Local Augusta Caddie After Englishman's Best Masters Result
Gray Moore is a former Augusta National caddie master who was helping Fleetwood out after his regular caddie Ian Finnis was forced to stay home
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Eight Masters Contenders In The Field For This Week's $20 Million RBC Heritage
There's no respite for the world's elite as, following the Masters, the PGA Tour circuit moves to Harbour Town and the RBC Heritage
By Matt Cradock Published
-
How Social Media Reacted To Scottie Scheffler's Second Masters Victory
Social media was awash with fans, legends, and brands congratulating Scheffler over his second Masters win in three years
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Masters Runner-Up Ludvig Aberg Has Major Ambitions (And World No.1 Goal)
The Swede sensation is targeting Major glory after pushing World No.1 Scottie Scheffler all the way at Augusta
By Michael Weston Published
-
'My Identity Is Secure Forever' - Scottie Scheffler's Mindset Provides The Fuel To Secure A Second Green Jacket
Scheffler's second Masters win came with his first child due in a matter of weeks. His mindset off the course is clearly helping him do great things on it.
By Dan Parker Published
-
The Internet's Best Reactions To Tiger Woods Appearing To Shake Hands With A Tree
The perfect camera angle, the perfect meme. Here's the internet's best reactions to Tiger's unusual handshake
By Dan Parker Published
-
Scottie Scheffler’s Caddie Ted Scott Has Now Won The Masters Four Times
After victories in 2012 and 2014, Ted Scott has now picked up Masters wins with Scottie Scheffler in 2022 and 2024!
By Matt Cradock Published