Masters Round 2 Tee Times Announced As Weather Threatens Delays
Masters Round 2 Tee Times Announced As Weather Threatens Delays...
The 2026 Masters Tournament faces potential weather disruptions as Round 2 tee times were released Friday morning. Augusta National officials announced start times between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. ET, with leaders including defending champion Scottie Scheffler set for afternoon slots.
First-round leader Cameron Smith will tee off at 1:48 p.m. alongside Rory McIlroy, while Scheffler begins his round at 2:00 p.m. with Jon Rahm. The pairings come as thunderstorms are forecast to hit Augusta, Georgia, by mid-afternoon, potentially forcing delays during the critical second round.
Tournament officials told reporters they're monitoring conditions closely and have contingency plans. "We'll make adjustments as needed to ensure player safety and fair competition," said Masters chairman Fred Ridley during a morning press conference.
Golf fans are closely tracking the schedule after Thursday's opening round delivered several surprises. Amateur standout Nick Dunlap sits just two shots back after shooting 68, while Tiger Woods carded an even-par 72 in his return to competitive play.
The tee time announcement is trending nationally as office workers and sports fans plan their Friday viewing. Many are rearranging schedules to watch key matchups before potential weather interruptions. ESPN and CBS will provide live coverage starting at 8:00 a.m. ET.
Augusta National's weather policy allows for suspension of play due to dangerous conditions. If Round 2 cannot be completed Friday, it would mark the first weather delay at the Masters since 2019. The tournament has only finished on Monday four times in its 90-year history.
Players near the cut line face added pressure with incoming storms. The top 50 players and ties after Round 2 will advance to weekend play. Several major champions, including Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, currently sit outside that threshold.
Mobile alerts about possible delays are being sent to ticket holders through the Masters app. Grounds remain sold out for Friday's action, with secondary market prices holding steady around $1,200 despite the forecast.
Viewership records could be challenged if storms force a primetime Saturday finish. The 2025 Masters final round drew 15.2 million viewers, the tournament's highest rating in five years. This year's event features 18 of the world's top 20 ranked players.
Friday's weather uncertainty adds drama to an already compelling leaderboard. Scheffler seeks his third green jacket in five years, while McIlroy continues his decade-long pursuit of the career Grand Slam. Play begins at 7:30 a.m. with honorary starters Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player hitting ceremonial tee shots.
