Masters preparations thrown into chaos as Augusta bosses forced into frustrating decision

The Masters begins this Thursday and players usually have three days to practice at Augusta National, but terrible weather is set to delay Monday’s tee time or result in a full postponement

Augusta National won’t open as planned for Monday’s practice round ahead of the Masters due to adverse weather conditions, tournament chiefs have confirmed. The 89th edition of the Masters officially tees off on Thursday but players have the chance to practice in the days leading up to the tournament starting.

But bad weather means that stars such as Rory McIlroy are facing a delay or even a full postponement of Monday’s session. Rain, thunderstorms and wind are expected to hit Augusta, Georgia until 1pm.

The first day of the 2024 Masters was delayed because of storms, so players are used to having to check the forecast. On Sunday afternoon, the Masters announced that the gates Augusta National wouldn’t open as scheduled, warning fans not to approach the famous golf club.

“Due to expected inclement weather and safety concerns, patron gates will not open as scheduled for Monday’s practice round,” a statement read. “All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice. No patrons should approach Augusta National Golf Club until more details are released. The next update will be provided by 8a.m. Monday (1pm in the UK).”

Losing Monday’s practice session would be frustrating for McIlroy and his fellow players, although not as frustrating as for fans who’ve purchased tickets and made the journey to Augusta. On the Masters website, the only authorised seller and source of tickets, a passage confirmed that tickets can’t be exchanged or refunded.

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“Tickets are valid only for the date indicated on face of the Ticket,” the terms read. “Augusta National, Inc. (ANI) reserves the right to suspend the Tournament or close the golf course because of adverse weather conditions or for other safety reasons. In such situations, no refunds, rain checks, exchanges or replacements will be made.”

In 2022, however, fans who didn’t get to see much action on the Tuesday got a guaranteed opportunity to buy the same tickets 12 months later. One man who knows all about returning to Augusta the following year and hoping for a better time is McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman is a four-time major winner but hasn’t ever got his hands on the famous green jacket by winning the Masters. McIlroy’s last major win came all the back in 2014, claiming the US PGA Championship for the second time after winning at The Open that same year and the US Open three years prior.

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He’s making his 17th start in Augusta and remains one tantalising Masters triumph away from completing a career Grand Slam which would see him join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as those to accomplish that feat.

“Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” McIlroy, 35, revealed to BBC Sport in January. “I’ve realised that all I can control is myself.

“What’s right for me right now is to fully focus on myself and to get the best out of myself and get back to winning the biggest tournaments in the world. I’ve been agonisingly close for the past few years, without being able to get it done and that that is the main focus of this year.”

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