Masters practice round cancelled due to severe weather conditions

Due to severe weather, the initial practice round for the Masters Tournament was cancelled on April 8, 2025, at the Augusta National Golf Club in the United States. Rain and the threat of thunderstorms prompted officials to instruct patrons to leave the venue earlier in the day. Augusta National’s Chairman, Fred Ridley, emphasized the importance of safety, expressing disappointment that patrons could not enjoy the practice round fully. He expressed optimism about future events, including an upcoming Masters Tournament. Following the heavy rains on Monday, course preparations resumed on Tuesday as conditions improved and cooler, drier weather was anticipated through Thursday’s opening round. As the tournament week progressed, notable past champions, such as Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler, returned to the course for their preparations after the rain delay. Players from the LIV Golf tour were also present since the majors allow qualified players from both LIV and the PGA tour to compete. The divided atmosphere regarding these tours remained, with players expressing various levels of concern and focus toward the competition at hand. On a lighter note, Rory McIlroy reflected on the challenges of managing expectations amidst his fame and responsibilities, especially regarding his family's perception of his career. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm expressed confidence in not worrying about the future of golf tours and reiterated the importance of focusing on the Masters week, which was undoubtedly significant for all participants. Augusta National also had some distractions, appealing to former world number one Jason Day to tone down his fashion statements to ensure the tournament’s focus remains on the competition and the course itself. Heavy rains severely affected Monday’s practice schedule, setting the tone for the remainder of the week. However, players remained optimistic about the upcoming tournament as they adjusted to the changing conditions, preparing for what they hope will be a successful week of golf. Organizers and players alike were hoping for better weather to ensure a smooth carrying out of tournament events for the remainder of the week.