The 2023 Masters saw play suspended multiple times due to rain and dangerous conditions. Jon Rahm eventually claimed victory, but only after a Monday finish that disrupted the tournament’s rhythm. History might repeat itself as ominous clouds gather over Augusta National this year. The 2025 edition has already experienced disruption, with Monday’s practice round affected by thunderstorms. Now, another weather system threatens to transform Round 2 into a serious challenge for the world’s best golfers.
Friday’s weather forecast spells trouble for afternoon players
Augusta’s pristine fairways are about to face a significant meteorological test. A line of showers and isolated thunderstorms is expected to move through overnight Thursday. These conditions will likely linger into Friday morning, potentially affecting early tee times. According to AccuWeather, there’s a 44% chance of precipitation throughout the day. The morning might see scattered showers, while isolated thunderstorms could develop after 2 pm.
Wind will become an even bigger factor as the day progresses. Gusts could reach up to 27 mph from the northwest by afternoon. This combination of rain and wind will create drastically different playing conditions than Thursday’s opening round. First-round leader Justin Rose, who fired an impressive 7-under 65, will need to adapt quickly. He currently holds a three-stroke advantage over Scottie Scheffler, Corey Conners, and Ludvig Åberg, all tied at 4-under.
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 11, 2024 General view during the first round REUTERS/Mike Segar
The softer fairways will reduce roll and make the course play longer. This could benefit long hitters like Bryson DeChambeau, currently at 3-under, if he can maintain accuracy. “Augusta with rain is actually easier for approach shots, but the wind changes everything,” DeChambeau noted after his opening round. Players like Rory McIlroy, who struggled late in Round 1 and sits at even par, might see this as an opportunity to make up ground.
The Masters has a long history of rain disruptions. Six of the past seven tournaments have experienced some form of weather delay. In 2023, three large pine trees even toppled near the 17th tee, narrowly missing spectators. The tournament has been forced to finish on Monday five times throughout its storied history.
Augusta National’s sophisticated drainage system stands ready
Augusta National isn’t defenseless against Mother Nature’s assault. The club boasts perhaps the most sophisticated drainage system in golf. Their proprietary SubAir technology acts like a powerful vacuum beneath the playing surfaces. This remarkable system can remove water from the ground up to 36 times faster than natural drainage.
The SubAir was first installed on the 13th green in 2001. It has since expanded to all 18 greens and numerous other areas across the property. When activated during rainfall, it creates a distinct humming sound familiar to regular Masters patrons. The system even operates beneath fairway landing areas and crosswalks to prevent slippery conditions.
Augusta’s maintenance team will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure playing surfaces remain firm and fast despite the weather. The SubAir system’s dual vacuum and pressure modes give officials confidence that play can continue in all but severe conditions. Meanwhile, the weekend forecast offers much more optimism. Saturday should bring sunshine with minimal cloud cover. Sunday looks even better with diminished winds and pleasant 71-degree temperatures. The tournament might follow the perfect dramatic arc—challenging conditions early followed by ideal weather for the crucial final rounds.
Will rain gear become the most valuable equipment in Friday’s bags? Only time will tell how significantly the weather impacts the leaderboard. Which players do you think will handle these challenging conditions best? Let us know in the comments section below!
The post Will Rain at Augusta National Destroy The Masters Play? Weather Report of Round 2 Explored appeared first on EssentiallySports.
