The Masters tournament at Augusta National began with challenging conditions due to weather changes. The course was softened and lengthened by heavy rain, while strong winds added to the difficulty for players. Tournament officials had prepared for worse weather, delaying the opening of gates for patrons. Despite the challenging conditions, legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Gary Player kicked off the tournament with the ceremonial first shots.
Players acknowledged the need for patience and described the day as a grinding one. The weather forecast predicted gusty winds of up to 45 mph, which could impact the gameplay. The challenging conditions were a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Masters, as weather has caused delays in the tournament for the past six years. Last year, torrential rains and winds caused disruptions that extended the event into the weekend, leading to a marathon final day for players.
Most of the heavy hitters in the tournament had tee times in the afternoon, with players like Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy scheduled to begin later in the day. The delayed start meant that players with late tee times might not complete their rounds before dark, requiring them to return early the next day to finish. Despite the challenging conditions, players like Tommy Fleetwood expressed their readiness for the test that the Masters presents, with the course hitting hard due to changing conditions.
The weather forecast for the weekend promised warm, dry, and ideal conditions, contrasting with the challenging start to the tournament. The changing weather conditions, including rain softening the course and swirling winds, added an extra layer of difficulty for players. Despite the challenges, players were looking forward to the unique test presented by the Masters, a major tournament that requires every aspect of a player’s game to be tested. Overall, the changing weather conditions added an element of uncertainty and challenge to the prestigious event.
