Changing weather threatening experienced players at Augusta National - Golf News
The weather conditions at Augusta National have recently changed the approach of different players who are participating in the Master Tournament this year.
For the past few days, the conditions have been unpredictable because of the frequent changes in weather. On Tuesday and Wednesday, thunderstorms hit the course, making it slow and soft.
On Wednesday, the course opened for the spectators after a one-hour delay due to maintenance activities on the course.
The storm also caused some trees to fall on the course, destroying a large upscale restroom built next to the 16th tee.
“We hope to have it rebuilt and up and running by the end of the day [Wednesday],” Masters Chairman Billy Payne said.
“Several of our bunkers were completely washed out. We expect them to be fully restored to competitive conditions by the end of the day”.
Phil Mickelson, one of the favourites to win the Masters this year, visited Augusta National prior to the tournament to practice on the course.
He mastered each and every hole present on a fast and firm par-72 course.
However, the 2½ inches of rain has softened the greens available on the course, threatening Mickelson’s practice on totally different conditions.
"It seems that some of the planning I have made may go by the wayside," Mickelson said on Tuesday.
"As soft as the golf course is, you can fire at a lot of the pins. The greens are soft. I don't want to say they are slow, but it's just not the same Augusta".
Mickelson added by saying that the players will prefer hitting longer irons from the greens because of the lack of rollouts on the fairways.
According to Chez Reavie, he had to make one or two club difference on each of the holes he played on Wednesday compared to his practice round on Tuesday.
This also threatened the chances of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlory and Mickelson in the tournament.
All these players are known for playing well in tougher conditions. However, there are now no fast greens and dry weather conditions anymore.
As a result, rookies will be eyeing the green jacket in the current weather conditions.
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