Masters Update: After Spending More than $540,000, Distressing Situation Highly Unlikely to Further Affect Augusta National

Heavy rain during the currently ongoing 87th edition of the Masters has golf enthusiasts wondering whether the tournament will extend into Monday next week. However, a $540,000 worth sophisticated facility can prevent the rain from ruining fans’ weekend plans.

According to a superintendent, the SubAir system at Augusta will keep the rain-related havoc at bay. When rain or bad weather threatens to affect playing conditions, the SubAir system helps fight back. The iconic golf course has paid thousands to install these SubAir systems underneath every green.

The history behind The Masters’ $540,000 SubAir technology

SubAir technology has become a pivotal element of all types of sporting turfs, from baseball fields to soccer pitches to football grounds. This revolutionary facility, however, got its first start in the golfing industry.

It was founded in 1994 by Marsh Benson, the longtime senior director of the golf course and grounds at Augusta National. This drainage system has recently become highly sought-after for other sports, like baseball, soccer, football, and cricket.

Also Read: Bought for $70,000 Nearly 100 Years Ago, Staggering Million Dollar Augusta National Revelation Will Leave You Dumbfounded

The first Augusta Green to get the treatment was the 12th. Following many awry starts, Benson and his staff witnessed rapid improvements in the turf’s health. This technology costs $30,000 per green, resulting in a sum total of $540,000 for the 18 greens at Augusta.

The club is confident that the extensive network of the SubAir system will keep the turf playable despite heavy downpours.

How does the SubAir technology work?

Every year, Augusta National ensures a great experience for players and spectators during the Masters and the SubAir technology plays a huge role in it.

When the system slurps water from the greens, other pumps, and drainage technologies can be implemented to pull the water farther away so it does not affect play. Draining excess rainwater, however, is not the main purpose of the SubAir technology. Per Benson, the main goal was to pump air into the greens from below.

When the pressure is heightened, the system forces air into the soil and root systems of the grass via pipes. This mechanism enables great control of the temperature without interrupting play. With the weather expected to play spoilsport at the Masters this year, the SubAir system is paramount to ensure a good time for both players and spectators.

Following its success at the Augusta Greens, several other golf clubs have adopted the system in one way or another. This roster includes high-profile golf clubs like the Pebble Beach Golf Links, Quail Hollow, Congressional, Bellerive, and Winged Foot.

Watch This Story: ‘Going to be a Problem’: Hours before the Masters, Latest Update Gets Absolutely Despised by the Golf Community

Augusta’s state-of-the-art technology is quintessential for the success of the Masters tournament. What are your favorite moments from the event so far? Let us know in the comments below!