Suppose you are a patron at the Augusta National Golf Course this year. You have everything planned to the dot and are all set to have the full Masters experience. As you fall asleep, the anticipation of seeing the world’s best golfers compete in person fills your mind with the sounds of cheering crowds and the satisfying *thwack* of perfectly struck golf balls. And then the news drops. The Augusta National Golf Course will be closed for the practice rounds on Monday as the organizers are expecting severe weather conditions.

The Masters’ weather bulletin gave a strict note to everyone looking forward to being a part of the first practice round in Georgia, stating, “All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice. No patrons should approach Augusta National Golf Club until more details are released.”

Bob Harig, who writes for Sports Illustrated, gave a more detailed description of the closure on X, citing the reasons and timings. “Augusta National just announced that spectator gates will not open as planned Monday morning due to expected poor weather. The forecast for Monday is rough with rain expected all day. Parking lots will be closed and the club will not update until 8 a.m. ET on Monday.” His tweet read.

This is mainly because the Augusta National Golf Course is expected to receive incessant rainfall on Monday. The rainfall also has the potential to be heavy intermittently while there is also a significant chance for thunderstorms and lightning to take place as well.

Back in 2022, the Masters practice round on Tuesday was also suspended due to unfavorable weather conditions. Eight years prior to that, the practice sessions were suspended mere two hours after opening, due to severe rain and thunderstorms in the Augusta National Golf Course.

Harig further gave some context to what the procedure is in such situations. “In the past, the Masters has honored those with practice round tickets for the following year if the day is a washout or a significant amount of time at the course isn’t possible. But it still is lousy for those who made the trip or who then have to work on an alternative plan for a year from now.”

According to the official communications, in case play gets suspended, Masters does not need to provide refunds, rain checks, replacements, or exchanges. However, in 2022, the tournament organizers did provide refunds and also gave the patrons the option to buy tickets for the following year. Something similar should happen this time, but for people who had traveled and made extensive plans to catch the best golfers in action, it would be difficult to make similar plans next year.

Masters schedule and par-3 contest

Even if you end up missing the action on Monday, there is enough action during the week. There are three days of practice during the event. The practice sessions end with the famous par-3 contest, where the golfers get a chance to relax and enjoy the course without any pressure.

Family members of the golfers usually caddie during the par-3 contest and even sometimes play shots on their behalf. Several celebrated golfers have won the contest, including Sam Snead, who won the first-ever contest in 1960. Most recently, in 2024, it was Rickie Fowler. After par-3, the nerves tighten and the eyes become steely.

The golfers will get back in regular business on Thursday and take part in four days of grueling golf action at one of the most challenging golf courses in the world. Who do you think will win the par-3 contest at the Masters this year?