Masters Round 3 suspended because of weather
The third round of the Masters was suspended at 3:15 p.m. Saturday after heavy rains soaked Augusta National.
“Due to inclement weather conditions, the third round has been officially suspended for the rest of the day as of 3:15 p.m. EDT. Further information will be announced once available.”
Brooks Koepka (-13) was through six holes and still atop the leaderboard when play was suspended. Jon Rahm (-9) was in second place.
The suspension in play sets up an expected long day of golf Sunday in which players will likely attempt to complete the third and fourth rounds.
No one had completed their third round Saturday. Six golfers were through 13.
Steady rain fell Saturday at Augusta National, but golfers were able to complete their second rounds that were suspended Friday and begin their third rounds. Play was stopped when the rain became heavy and started to pond on the greens.
Weather has created a host of issues at this year’s Masters. Play was suspended twice on Friday, the first of which lasted 21 minutes — the shortest delay in tournament history.
The grounds were evacuated a second time when three trees fell near patrons on the 17th tee box. No one was injured in the accident. That forced 13 groups to finish their second rounds on Saturday morning.
Augusta National announced shortly after suspending play the third round return at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. Ticket gates will open at 7 a.m., as was previously scheduled.
Final round play will begin at 12:30 p.m. Players will be sorted into pairings, but will go off holes 1 and 10, instead of all starting on the first tee.
Sunday weather forecast
There’s some good news with the weather forecast: Rain is expected to subside overnight. The official forecast from the National Weather Service for the Augusta area for Sunday says: A chance of rain, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.”
This story was originally published April 8, 2023 at 3:21 PM.
