Masters fans told to stay away as doors locked on opening day of 2025 event | Golf | Sport
Augusta National, the iconic venue that was prepping for Monday’s Masters practice round, has been forced to keep its gates shut due to adverse weather conditions, officials have announced. This hindrance comes just ahead of the 89th Masters’ official Thursday commencement, with participating golfers such as Rory McIlroy set to brace themselves for potential delays or a full cancellation of today’s session amidst expected rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds slated to buffet Augusta, Georgia, until early afternoon.
Golfing pros might find the scenario familiar, given that the opening day of the 2024 Masters also encountered storm-induced disruptions leading them to keep a keen eye on weather updates. On Sunday, an announcement from the tournament organisers highlighted that Augusta National would not welcome fans as anticipated, urging spectators to stand back from the prestigious club until further notice.
“Due to expected inclement weather and safety concerns, patron gates will not open as scheduled for Monday’s practice round,” the statement claimed. “All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice. No patrons should approach Augusta National Golf Club until more details are released. The next update will be provided by 8am Monday (1pm in the UK).”
Should the practice be scratched, it’s poised to disappoint not just McIlroy and his peers but also the zealous fans who’ve secured their passes and travelled to witness the event firsthand in Augusta. Tucked away on the Masters’ website—the sole endorsed platform for ticket sales—a note explicitly states that tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable, further adding to the patrons’ vexation.
“Tickets are valid only for the date indicated on face of the Ticket,” the terms read. “Augusta National, Inc. (ANI) reserves the right to suspend the Tournament or close the golf course because of adverse weather conditions or for other safety reasons. In such situations, no refunds, rain checks, exchanges or replacements will be made.”
However, in 2022, fans who were left disappointed on the Tuesday were given a guaranteed chance to purchase the same tickets for the following year. One man familiar with returning to Augusta and hoping for better luck is McIlroy.
The Northern Irish golfer, a four-time major winner, has yet to secure the coveted green jacket by winning the Masters. McIlroy’s last major victory was back in 2014 when he claimed the US PGA Championship for the second time, having won The Open that same year and the US Open three years earlier.
McIlroy is making his 17th appearance in Augusta and is just one elusive Masters victory away from completing a career Grand Slam, joining the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods.
“Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” McIlroy, 35, told BBC Sport in January. “I’ve realised that all I can control is myself.
“What’s right for me right now is to fully focus on myself and to get the best out of myself and get back to winning the biggest tournaments in the world. I’ve been agonisingly close for the past few years, without being able to get it done and that that is the main focus of this year.”
