With heavy rainfall expected this weekend, a history of weather-altered Masters finishes

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Call it a curse. Call it a coincidence. But if history is an indicator, it’s likely to rain this week at Augusta National.

Twice in the past 50 years has the Masters Tournament required a Monday finish — and each ended with 3: 1973 and 1983.

“I’m forever thankful it rained that Saturday in 1973,” said eventual winner Tommy Aaron. “It all clicked for me on the range Monday morning.”

According to Weather.com, the 2023 forecast appears ominous with an 84 percent chance of rain Friday, 94 percent Saturday and 60 percent on Sunday.

The temperature is also slated to drop with a Saturday high of 53 degrees.

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“This might be the year another Monday finish happens,” said Craig Stadler, who was the defending champion in 1983. “The weather looks rough this weekend, but if it’s only rain, the course can handle it. There just can’t be any thunderstorms.”

Stadler and Raymond Floyd were tied for the lead after three rounds in 1983 before the Walrus blew-up with a Monday 76. Did the Monday finish have an impact?

“Well, I definitely didn’t play very well,” Stadler said. “But you can’t do anything about the weather. You’re at the mercy of the gods.”

In addition to 1973 and 1983, the 1993 Masters fell victim to adverse weather, causing Friday’s round to be suspended. In 2003, Thursday’s round was postponed because of storms, while two rounds were scheduled for Friday.

In 2013, the course saw rain, but no round was affected.

“It looked dicey on Friday (in 2003),” said champion Mike Weir. “I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to finish on Sunday. But once we got through Saturday’s round, we were in the clear.”

As for this week, Weir added, “It’s going to be a tale of two days. Thursday and Friday, we’ll have a southwest wind and heat. But on Saturday and Sunday, the cold’s coming in and the wind will probably be (from the north).”

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