Augusta, GA – There’s a longtime belief regarding my cherished wedding day. It’s said that a torrential downpour during the exchange of vows signifies a long-lasting, healthy marriage. This sentiment rings true for my parents as well. I’ve enjoyed nearly 30 years of marriage. Their wedding day was entirely rainy, yet that rain on the last Saturday of May contributed to nurturing their wonderful, cherished family.
Indeed, a rainy wedding day is viewed as a harbinger of good luck for newlyweds.
I’m hopeful the same belief applies to this week’s Masters Tournament.
Furthermore, just as Monday’s practice round at Augusta National indicates the arrival of the upcoming champion, the wedding ceremony occurs at the start of the wedding.
This is the day when players adapt to their surroundings, fine-tune their skills, and respond to media queries. It’s also a laid-back atmosphere where enthusiastic fans stroll the course, soaking in distinctive landmarks. Nothing quite matches witnessing the scenes around Amen Corner or relaxing at the spot where Tiger Woods gained fame on hole 16 earlier this week.
Savor a pimento cheese sandwich paired with a crow’s nest lager, and you certainly won’t be let down.
Nevertheless, Augusta National Golf Club had to suspend play due to severe weather on Monday. Eastern Georgia was drenched with heavy rains, making visibility less than 50 feet. Puddles formed across the course, leading the club to close its grounds for the remainder of the afternoon, disappointing many fans who traveled for Monday’s practice round. However, the club plans to honor tickets from Monday for future unfortunate attendees.
“We regret not being able to fully experience today’s practice, but the safety of everyone at Augusta National was our top priority, influencing our decision to cancel.”
“We are eager to welcome our fans next Monday and celebrate our 89th amazing Masters Tournament this week.”
The club will provide refunds in May, allowing holders of Monday’s practice round badges to buy tickets for next year’s edition on Monday.
Despite the rainy day, not all hope is lost.
We remain hopeful that the rain from Monday will lead to wonderful outcomes.
After all, there’s something unique about every Masters Tournament occurring in a year ending with “5”.
This has been the case from the outset.
The 1935 Masters, the second iteration of the tournament, featured “Shots of Hearing the World.” Jean Sarazen, who became one of five players to achieve a career grand slam, struck the par 5 15th hole from 235 yards with four woods to tie Craigwood at six under par. Both players concluded the final round at 6 under, and Sarazen triumphed over Wood in a 36-hole playoff the next day by five strokes.
Two decades later, in 1955, Cary Middlecoff, one of the foremost players in PGA Tour history, claimed his only Masters title. He shot a 7-under 65 in the second round. Ultimately, he cruised to a seven-shot victory over Ben Hogan, who won the Green Jacket in 1951 and 1953.
Then, in 1965, Jack Nicklaus secured his second green jacket with an astonishing nine-shot lead, with Gary Player and Arnold Palmer sharing the runners-up spot. Nicklaus also established the tournament scoring record at 17 under par, leaving the great Bobby Jones in awe. After Nicklaus’s victory, Jones famously remarked, “He’s playing a game I’m not familiar with.” Nicklaus utilized his remarkable power and deft finesse around the greens to dominate Augusta National.
Ten years later, in 1975, Nicklaus won once again, leading what many consider the greatest Masters ever. The Golden Bear battled Johnny Miller and Tom Wyscuff and ultimately claimed victory by sinking a 40-footer for a birdie on the 16th green. Reflecting on these three players (the best of the era), I still discuss their fierce rivalry.
In 1985, Bernhard Langer earned his first green jacket. Bidding farewell to competitive play this week at the Masters, Langer became the second European to conquer Augusta, following longtime friend and Ryder Cup partner Seve Ballesteros, and the first European to win the Masters since 1980.
In 1995, Ben Crenshaw defied the longest odds to secure a second green jacket. The day before arriving in Augusta, Crenshaw was a bearer at Harvey Pennick’s funeral.
Crenshaw’s longtime mentor and coach Pennick guided him to a one-shot victory over Davis Love III following his passing. He birdied the 16th and 17th holes, becoming the 13th player to win multiple Masters titles. Naturally, Crenshaw shed tears on the 18th green, creating an unforgettable memory.
It’s hard to believe this tip was 20 years ago this week. My first master memory.
And now I’m there this week. I’m thrilled to be covering Augusta National’s Master for the first time! Hopefully the ’25 edition will fulfill the expectations.pic.twitter.com/25lfsvuak8
– Jack Milko (@jack_milko) April 7, 2025
Certainly, the 2005 Masters produced one of the most iconic shots in tournament history. Faced with a delicate chip shot from the 16th green, Tiger Woods held a narrow lead but appeared destined to hit a shot into the field and tie with Chris DiMarco. Somehow, Woods executed the stunning Vernurundkist, as the Nike Golf ball found its way to the bottom of the cup and exclaimed, “In your life!”
We hadn’t experienced anything of that caliber before, and we’ve never seen such a moment since. Coincidentally, this shot is celebrating its 20th anniversary at this year’s Masters Tournament. Frankly, this is my first memory of watching the Masters with my father.
This shot is the reason the 16th hole is my favorite. Not only because of Woods but also thanks to one of my favorite commentators, Lundquist. Lundquist is sorely missed this year.
In 2015, Jordan Spieth began with an impressive 8 under 64 and never looked back. Spieth ultimately wrapped up with an 18-under par, achieving a 72-hole record that year. That victory marked his first of two major championships at Augusta that season. He later secured the US Open at Chambers Bay that June and narrowly missed the playoffs at St Andrews that July, finishing as runner-up to Jason Day at the PGA Championship in August. Spieth had a stellar season, nearing a career grand slam, and it all kicked off at Augusta.
Fast forward to today, the 2025 Masters Tournament is unfolding with numerous captivating storylines. Will Scotty Scheffler triumph for the third time in four years? Will Rory McIlroy achieve a career grand slam? How about Xander Schauffele, who captured two of the last three major titles? Will a Liv Golf star clinch another major? Can Phil Mickelson turn back the clock and climb the leaderboards like he did in 2023? What about emerging talents like Ludvig Åberg? The opportunities are endless.
Yet, we can only hope that Monday’s rain will give way to an extraordinary tournament.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation. You can follow him on x @jack_milko.
