Practice is suspended at the Masters because of rain and a threat of severe storms

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Practice at the Masters was suspended late Monday morning and spectators were pulled off the golf course because of worsening rain and the threat of thunderstorms.

Augusta National had planned to close the course to fans earlier in the morning, but with only light rain falling, spectators were allowed onto the grounds for about 3 1/2 hours.

Forecasts called for storms throughout the afternoon, with the potential for severe weather, and 1 to 2 inches of rain. However, the forecast for the rest of the week looked promising, with mostly sunshine and high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius).

Few players ventured out for morning practice rounds, and those who did — Keegan Bradley, Matthieu Pavon and Thomas Detry, among them — played alone.

Shortly before 3 p.m., Augusta National announced that the course would not reopen to spectators until Tuesday out of safety considerations, and that ticket holders for Monday's practice session would get refunds.

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