Classic childhood songs often resurface in unexpected ways during adulthood, and for golf fans at Augusta National on Monday, the familiar tune “Rain, rain go away, come back another day” may have echoed in their minds. Unfortunately, the start of the Masters week was disrupted due to severe weather conditions, forcing patrons to evacuate the course. Among those affected was former LPGA pro Michelle Wie West, who had visited to watch the practice rounds but had to leave early due to the adverse weather.
Disappointed, Wie West shared an Instagram story from Augusta, dressed in a jacket with her head covered, with the caption, “Today was not the day for looking cute at Augusta,” highlighting the poor weather conditions. She had previously attended the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and had been excited to experience the course layout. Reflecting on her first walk through the course, she expressed amazement at its unique elevation and slopes, especially holes like No. 10 and No. 2, which looked more challenging than they appeared on TV.
Michelle Wie West, who dreamt of playing the Masters, walked Augusta for first time at ANWA https://t.co/LwoCS6Gw6C pic.twitter.com/VnxrYdSX8M
— Golfweek (@golfweek) April 6, 2025
As a young golfer, Wie West had once dreamt of playing at the Masters. She made a serious attempt by competing in the men’s 2005 U.S. Amateur Public Links—a now-discontinued event that offered a path to qualify for the Masters. She impressively reached the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Augusta’s unpredictable weather once again disrupted the event. Around 11:25 a.m. local time on Monday, a warning horn was sounded and all patrons were asked to leave the grounds due to worsening weather conditions. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ripley issued a statement emphasizing that the safety of attendees was the top priority, even though the decision to cancel the day’s events was disappointing.
Weather-related disruptions at Augusta are not new. In 2023, strong storms caused three large trees to fall, suspending play. In 2005, rain delays impacted the tournament, though Tiger Woods eventually won the event after a tough week of weather setbacks. He later recalled how challenging the conditions had been.
By 3 p.m. Monday, tournament officials confirmed the course would not reopen that day. They assured ticket holders they would receive refunds in May and would be given the chance to buy practice round tickets for the next year. It was an anticlimactic end to the day that had initially offered a glimmer of hope.
On Sunday, organizers had already issued a warning about expected bad weather, stating that gates and parking lots would remain closed until further notice and that no one should approach the course. However, by Monday morning, they reversed course briefly and announced that gates would open at 8 a.m., giving fans renewed excitement. Unfortunately, that joy was short-lived as the worsening conditions forced another closure.
Looking ahead, the forecast suggested improved weather for Tuesday, giving fans hope for a better chance to watch their favorite golfers without disruption.