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Storm knocks down trees, halts play at Masters

Weather can affect the Masters as the opening round draws to a close


Weather can affect masters when opening round wrappers

01:47

A storm ripped through Augusta National on Friday, causing two towering pine trees to fall on patrons and another tree to fall elsewhere on the property, although no one was injured as the second round of the Masters ground to a halt.

Storms were expected throughout the day, and tournament officials moved all start times 30 minutes in hopes of getting the second round on schedule. The morning dawned warm and humid, with plenty of sunshine, but this gave way shortly after lunch to ominous clouds churning in from the east.

A security guard is seen evacuating people from a blown tree on the 17th hole of the Masters golf tournament.

A security guard moves patrons away from a blown tree on the 17th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2023 in Augusta, Ga.

Mark Baker/AP

The course had already cleared once for 21 minutes when the first band of storms crossed the area. The air horn sounded again at 4:22 a.m. as another set of storms arrived, bringing the threat of heavy rain and lightning.

As the horn sounded, two giant pines fell near the 17th tee box, spreading out to cover patrons in the area. On the nearby 16th green, Sergio Garcia stopped and looked at what appeared to be a slow putt while playing partners Kazuki Higa and Keith Mitchell watched anxiously to see if anyone was hurt.

Workers rushed with chains to clear the fallen trees.

Patrons move away from blown trees during the Masters golf tournament, April 7, 2023, in Augusta, Ga.

Patrons walk away from blown trees on the 17th hole during the second round of the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 7, 2023 in Augusta, Ga.

Matt Slocum/AP

Brooks Koepka was the leader at 12-under when play stopped, taking advantage of an unfortunate tee shot that left him in the clubhouse long before the storm arrived. Jon Rahm trailed by three shots in the second but still had nine to play.

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