AUGUSTA, Ga. — No player’s numbers will be more negatively impacted than Tiger Woods by the weather delay to Thursday’s Masters opener at Augusta National.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms forced tournament officials to delay the game by two and a half hours, and as of 9 a.m. the tournament was scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m.
The first tee time originally scheduled was 8 a.m.
Woods has been battling a number of physical ailments, including his right foot, which was seriously injured in a 2021 car accident.
His right ankle was surgically fused and he also had plantar fasciitis issues related to the injury, and he also had a history of surgically fused hip problems in his back.
The originally scheduled tee time of 1:24 p.m. has been postponed to 3:54 p.m. That means Woods won’t be able to play all 18 holes in the first round. That means Woods will have to play at least 18 holes in the second round. Friday’s round may be tough on the legs and back.
Woods has only played in three full-field tournaments in the past two years, finishing only one of those, the 2023 Genesis Invitational.
He competed in the 2023 Masters, but play was halted during Saturday’s third round due to cold and inclement weather, forcing him to withdraw due to injury.
Watch live as the world’s best golfers tee up at Augusta for the opening round of the Masters. Tiger Woods is aiming to qualify for a record-breaking 24th time, with Scottie Scheffler the clear favorite to win.
Asked Tuesday about his health, Woods said, “I’m in pain every day. And I like it warm and humid and hot. And I know there’s going to be thunderstorms. So at least it’s going to be hot.” It’s not going to be like last year.”
Friday for the second round is expected to be less cold, with temperatures in the low 70s, but it is expected to be very windy.
However, the rest of the week will be very good, with a high of 83 expected for Sunday’s final round.
Let’s see if Woods is available Sunday. He has made 23 consecutive cuts at the Masters, and if he can reach 24 by Friday he will break the tournament record.
