skip to main content

Weather wreaks havoc on Masters practice round

Patrons make their way for the exits at Augusta National
Patrons make their way for the exits at Augusta National

Spectators who saw just a few hours of practice ahead of the Masters due to bad weather will receive a refund, tournament officials have announced.

Augusta National was evacuated at 11.25am local time on Monday, with more than an inch of rain forecast to fall during scattered afternoon thunderstorms.

As persistent rain continued to fall, it was announced shortly before 3pm that the gates would not reopen.

A club statement read: "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.

"Further information will be included at the time of the refund."

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley added: "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."

Ridley had earlier announced that five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods, who is currently sidelined with an Achilles injury, will design a nine-hole short course as part of the renovation of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, commonly known as "The Patch," for the community to enjoy and learn the game of golf.

The club will also partner with Woods’ TGR Foundation to construct a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta to provide access for young people from underresourced communities to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education.

"Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special," Woods said.

"My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta.

"This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming and access to fun and affordable golf.

"I am excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality."

Read Next