Masters 2024 Round 3: Rain Delay, Strong Wind… What Does Augusta Weather Have Against Pros on Saturday?

Certain tournaments on the PGA Tour, including The PLAYERS, Cognizant Classic, and the Valspar Championship, experienced unfortunate delays due to the wrath of the weather. A similar fate occurred in the Masters, and the first round was postponed due to heavy rain, leading to the rescheduling of tee times for pros like Tiger Woods, and others.

The first round was then suspended midway and was continued on Friday, with no disturbances throughout the day from the weather. Will Saturday’s play be like Friday too? As of now, yes! Saturday’s forecast predicts clear weather, with ample sunshine expected.

Despite the expected clear weather, there are still chances of fluctuations in wind speed, anticipated to range between 7 and 15 km/h. Regarding rainfall, the forecast currently indicates a 0% chance of rain, suggesting that play may not get delayed or suspended. The temperature is also anticipated to be warm, with the lowest expected to be around 50°F and the highest reaching 78°F.

With this expected weather, one can say that there is no delay expected in Saturday’s game, and the pros will have a smooth third-round completion. The first ground featuring Rickie Fowler and Hideki Matsuyama will be teeing off at 9:35 ET as scheduled.

However, the wind is a noticeable factor here, as it not only affects the trajectory of a golf ball but also has the potential to change the arrangement of clouds due to its variation in speed. In such a scenario, if there’s a shift in cloud cover leading to increased chances of rain or if weather gods surprise the pros and patrons with heavy rain, how does Augusta National plan to handle the situation?

Augusta’s approach to dealing with the heavy rain

In case of rain, Augusta National has implemented specific facilities to mitigate the inclement weather, aiming to improve the overall experience for both patrons and professional players. A SubAir System has been integrated beneath the greens of the par 72, 7555-yard layout. Although initially only integrated into a few holes, over the years, it has been extended to cover the entire course.

The SubAir System is primarily utilized for turf management, effectively draining excess moisture from the putting greens and fairways. Additionally, it is connected to the subsurface drainage system, with specially designed grates on the hillside serving this specific purpose. Thus, this comprehensive system aids in the greens’ rapid recovery following heavy rains. Augusta National is relatively unfazed by rainfall, particularly moderate amounts ranging from two to four inches.

Despite Augusta National’s advanced system to handle such situations, it would be ideal if the weather remained as forecasted! It would ensure that the 88th edition of Masters proceeds smoothly without any disruptions and delivers the best possible experience. Who are you rooting for this year? Let us know your picks in the comment sections below!