Storms Shake Augusta as Masters Practice Halted Before It Could Begin
Well folks, what a wild start to Masters week at Augusta National! Monday’s highly anticipated practice round was pretty much washed out, all thanks to a fierce bout of bad weather. Just as the excitement was building and players were starting to loosen up on the greens, thunderclouds rolled in—and with them, a serious weather alert that brought everything to a screeching halt.
It all kicked off with some cautious optimism. Gates opened late, around 8 a.m. local time, and players managed to squeeze in just over three hours of practice before the course was evacuated at 11:25 a.m. due to the looming threat of electrical storms. Safety first, of course, and tournament officials didn’t waste time making the call to clear out the grounds. By mid-afternoon, Augusta National confirmed the course would remain closed for the rest of the day. No chance of anyone getting back out there, not even the pros. Heavy rain kept pounding the area, and lightning threats lingered into the evening.
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For those who had tickets for Monday’s practice round, there’s some consolation—refunds are on the way in May, plus the promise of first dibs on tickets for the same round in 2026. Still, it’s a letdown for patrons who’d been looking forward to this moment all year.
This weather hiccup is just another challenge Augusta has had to face. Let’s not forget that the region is still reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene last September. Hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed, and the course itself didn’t come out unscathed. Trees fell by the hundreds, and parts of the iconic layout were reshaped by force of nature. The 16th green—one of the most famous in the game—suffered notable damage, and walking the course now feels surprisingly open compared to previous years.
Despite all that, Augusta National bounced back impressively, even donating $5 million to aid recovery efforts. The course may feel different now—more open, less cloaked in dense tree cover—but the heart of the Masters remains intact.
Looking ahead, there’s some sunshine on the horizon. Tuesday’s forecast looks sunny and dry, and that trend should carry through most of the week. Only Friday poses a slight risk of showers, while Sunday’s final round might see near-perfect conditions, with warm temps and clear skies.
So while Monday’s start was a bit of a washout, hope isn’t lost. The players will regroup, the fans will return, and the spirit of the Masters—the drama, the elegance, the history—will once again shine through. The road to the Green Jacket might’ve gotten muddy, but it’s still wide open.
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