AUGUSTA BRACED FOR STORM
Bad weather could turn course into an ‘animal’ to play
SAFETY fears over expected severe storms prompted Masters officials to advance Sunday’s final-round start with trios off two tees and Tiger Woods predicts a “testy” Augusta National if winds howl.
Woods, a 14-time major champion trying to win his first major title since the 2008 US Open, will play alongside Italy’s Francesco Molinari and US compatriot Tony Finau in the last threesome off the first tee.
“We’ve got to get up early and get after it. It will be interesting
to see if that wind comes up like it’s forecast — 15-20 mph around this golf course is going to be testy.”
Molinari leads on 13-under par 203 with Woods, chasing his fifth Masters title and first since 2005, and Finau two shots adrift.
Finau also expects Augusta National to be formidable if leaders are finishing as ill winds begin to blow.
“Hopefully with the tee times moving up we’re able to play some clean golf so that weather doesn’t play too much of a factor.
“But if it starts to blow, starts to get windy, starts to rain, the golf course is an animal to play when it’s in tough conditions,” Finau said.
Severe thunderstorms are predicted in the vicinity of the famed course for late Sunday afternoon, when leaders would normally be battling for the green jacket — prompting the safety move for spectators and players alike.
Phil Mickelson, seven adrift and trying to become the oldest major winner in golf history at age 48, applauded the move.
“The fact that we’re going early takes away any adverse effect the weather might bring in,” the three-time Masters winner said.
“I think it’s a really good decision.”
Reigning PGA Championship and US Open champion Brooks Koepka, three adrift of Molinari in fourth, is happy for the early start to chase his third major in four starts.
Molinari adopts a matter-offact attitude, the weather being equal since they will literally all be in it together.
“I try not to be too fazed about that sort of stuff.
“It’s still going to be the same course for everyone.
“We’re going to play at the same time and I just need to do my things and do them well and see if that’s going to be good enough,” he said.