On the eve of the 88th Masters Tournament, meteorologists predicted that this year’s weather would have a major impact on the event.
A major storm has formed in Augusta, Georgia with very strong winds.
At least an inch and a half of rain is expected to fall in Augusta National Park early Thursday morning. It is unclear whether the Masters Tournament will start on time.
Strong winds are also expected to affect the weather. Winds are expected to stabilize at 20 to 30 mph Thursday, with gusts up to 45 mph. That could potentially have a bigger impact on the tournament than the rain.
As a result, the Masters jumped into action and announced to fans that gate openings would be delayed.
Players who were scheduled to participate in Morning Wave are now in a difficult position. They go to bed knowing that they need to get up early for regular preparations and tea time. But they probably know in the back of their minds that there’s a good chance the play will be pushed back.
How will that delay affect their performance?
Players believed to have been affected include Masters Par 3 winner Rickie Fowler, current U.S. Open champion Windham Clark, defending Masters champion Jon Rahm, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. It will be done.
Thankfully, the weather should not only get nicer, but beautiful as the week progresses. The wind is expected to subside from Friday through Sunday, leaving only sunshine.
Players are always at the mercy of the weather and their respective tee times. Who can weather the expected rain delays could go a long way in determining the winner of the 2024 Masters Tournament.
Kendall Capps is the senior editor of SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social media platforms.
