Play suspended after just 30 minutes at the Masters because of heavy storms in Augusta

After waiting 19 months for the Masters to come along, play has been suspended just 30 minutes into the first round at Augusta National due to heavy storms.

The prestigious Masters, which usually takes place in April, was delayed by seven months after the coronavirus pandemic stopped all sport in its tracks.

Former champions Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus finally got the action underway on Thursday as honorary starters on the opening hole at the eagerly-anticipated 84th Masters, which has no fans in attendance amid the ongoing pandemic.

Play has been suspended just 30 minutes into the opening round of the Masters

Heavy storms brought a premature stop to proceedings during Thursday’s play at Augusta

But only 30 minutes of action was possible before play was suspended due to the threat of lightning, putting a real downer on the start of the Masters. 

With the formalities out of the way and following an original 10-minute delay due to darkness, American Lucas Glover got the tournament officially going from the first tee, with 1988 winner Sandy Lyle doing so from the 10th.

A lack of daylight in November meant both tees have to be used over the opening two days to hopefully allow play to finish on time.

Thursday’s weather forecast included the possibility of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms

Unfortunately Thursday’s weather forecast included the possibility of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms and the siren duly sounded to suspend play and call players back to the safety of the clubhouse.

Lyle had started with a bogey on the 10th while the opening group of Glover, CT Pan and Corey Conners had all made par on the first. 

After finally being able to taste action at Augusta, it will be a frustrating wait for golf’s finest players with no timelines on when play will start again. 

More to follow… 

Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus got the Masters underway as honorary starters on Thursday