Masters Monday Practice Rounds Cut Short As Augusta National Closes For Day Due To Bad Weather

There was a stop-start nature to the opening day of Masters week, with practice rounds suspended at 11.25am local time.

There was uncertainty as early as Sunday when Augusta National issued a bulletin explaining it had decided to close its doors to the public for the start of Monday's practice day due to the threat of inclement weather.

However, that decision was reversed following an early check on Monday morning, with patrons bearing tickets allowed on the property after all, with gates opening at 8am local time - albeit with the caveat that the conditions would be closely monitored.

While the chance to experience one of golf's most iconic venues would have delighted the thousands of patrons, the joy was relatively short-lived, with a suspension of play in the practice rounds coming a few hours later.

Augusta National issued a statement explaining the decision, which read: "Due to inclement weather conditions, Augusta National Golf Club was forced to suspend Monday’s practice round and evacuate the grounds at 11:25 a.m."

Of course, it's not just the patrons whose day has been disrupted due to the weather. For the players out on the course working on their game ahead of the Major, it is hardly the ideal preparation.

Any hopes either patrons or players had of Augusta National reopening were dashed in the afternoon with another update that confirmed the inclement weather and current forecast had put paid to the chance.

For patrons who held tickets, there was some good news, with Augusta National stating that: "Purchasers of Monday practice round tickets will be sent refunds in May and will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase 2026 Monday practice round tickets."

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said: “We are disappointed our patrons could not fully enjoy today’s practice round, but the safety of everyone at Augusta National is our highest priority and was the determining factor in the decision to cancel.

“We look forward to welcoming back our Monday patrons next year, as well as celebrating a wonderful 89th Masters Tournament ahead of us this week.”  

There is a positive outlook with The Masters weather forecast for the rest of the week suggesting far more settled conditions, meaning we shouldn't see similar disruptions either over the next two days of practice rounds, Wednesday's Par-3 Contest, or once the action gets underway from Thursday.