AUGUSTA, Ga. — Play was suspended at the Masters but it was but a brief delay.
A little after 3 p.m. ET on Friday during the second round, the horns blew at Augusta National, halting play on the golf course.
There had been some rainfall already but with dark clouds moving in, the decision was made to take a pause.
Masters officials released a statement that said: “Due to inclement weather conditions, Augusta National Golf Club was forced to suspend play at 3:07 p.m. EDT and, subsequently, evacuated the grounds.”
About 15 minutes later, announcements could be heard over the course alerting patrons they were being allowed to return to the golf course.
Brooks Koepka went out early Friday morning and was able to finish his round well ahead of the weather. He’s at 12 under after he signed for a 5-under 67 and leads by four over amateur Sam Bennett.
“I think maybe my tee time with the weather coming up, I think I might be able to squeak out a few more holes than everybody else before it starts dumping (rain),” Koepka said Thursday. “I would say that’s probably the biggest advantage I’ve got going for me right now.”
Forecasts all week have called for at least a 90 percent chance of rain on Friday and 99 percent on Saturday. Augusta National moved Friday’s second-round tee times up 30 minutes in an effort to get ahead of thunderstorms expected to begin around noon.
Masters 2023 leaderboard: Get the latest news from Augusta
Raindrops began picking up Amen Corner on Friday around 1:45 p.m. ET. A weather warning was posted on the golf course around that time.
The sun was out for a few hours into the afternoon, but clouds have moved in and winds have increased around Augusta National. According to Accuweather.com, nearly a half-inch of rain is expected to fall between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
2023 Masters third round Saturday forecast
Saturday’s weather is expected to potentially alter the ability for play. If golfers are on the course, conditions will likely create a difficult competitive environment. Periods of thunderstorms and rain are expected Saturday, with temperatures in the 40s and 50s and strong winds, according to Weather.com.
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