AUGUSTA, Ga. – One of the most anticipated days in golf will have a late start.
The opening round of the 88th Masters Tournament will begin at 10:30 a.m. ET – 2 ½ hours later than originally scheduled, after a line of storms blew through the area early Thursday morning.
Erik van Rooyen and Jake Knapp were originally scheduled to be the first group out, at 8 a.m. local time, following the traditional tee shots of Honorary Starters Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.
Rain cleared early Thursday morning, but high winds (30-35 mph gusts) were expected the rest of the day with no more than a 45% chance of showers.
The rest of the Masters weather forecast looks clear – mostly-sunny skies, with temperatures increasing each day, eventually reaching the mid-80s on Sunday.
With the final group of Dustin Johnson, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood now scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., and sunset at about 8 p.m. in Augusta, the opening round will not be completed Thursday.
Starting at 3:54 p.m., Tiger Woods will also not finish his first round, meaning he will need to play more than 18 holes Friday as he tries to make a record 24th consecutive cut at the Masters.
The super-group of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele is now scheduled for 1:12 p.m.
