The opening round of The Masters has been delayed due to heavy rainstorms in Georgia.
Officials had earlier announced that all gate openings for the opening day of golf’s first major of the year had been pushed back due to the severe weather.
They have now confirmed that play will not get underway before 9am local time (2pm BST).
Play had been due to start at 8am in the US, but will now not begin until at least an hour later.
‘We continue to monitor the weather closely,’ an official statement read.
The opening round of The Masters has been delayed due to severe weather conditions
Tiger Woods is set to make his return but his tee time looks likely to be pushed back
Rory McIlroy will be hoping to complete the career grand slam this week at Augusta
‘Gate openings and tee times have been delayed until further notice. The first round will not begin before 9am.’
Thunderstorms and winds of up to 45mph had earlier been predicted for Thursday, leading to fears that play could be affected.
That has proved to be the case, although the weather is expected to improve heading into the weekend.
This year’s Masters will see the return of Tiger Woods, five years on from the last of his 15 major titles, when he triumphed by one stroke at Augusta.
He has battled with injuries over the years, but has still insisted he is capable of competing for victory this week.
Rory McIlroy will also be looking to complete the career grand slam, having never won The Masters before.
McIlroy is a four-time major winner, and has tasted victory at the PGA Championship twice, the US Open and The Open, but it has been 10 years since his last major.
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