AUGUSTA, Ga. — Call it a curse. Call it a coincidence. But history indicated we were likely to see a healthy dose of the wet stuff 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.
Fifty years ago at the Masters, a longtime bridesmaid finally tied the knot at Augusta National. Georgia native Tommy Aaron overcame the stigma of 14 runner-up finishes in 12 years on the PGA Tour to win the biggest tournament of his career.
“I’m forever thankful it rained that Saturday in 1973,” said Aaron. “It all clicked for me on the range Monday morning.”
“This might be the year another Monday finish happens,” said Craig Stadler, who was the defending champion in 1983.
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.”
Craig Stadler at Augusta National Golf Course during the 1983 Masters. Mandatory Credit: File Photo -The Augusta Chronicle via USA TODAY NETWORK
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.
“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.”
In 2013, the course saw rain throughout, but no round was affected. Eventually, Adam Scott beat Angel Cabrera in a playoff.
As for this year, the horn sounded Saturday afternoon during the third round, suspending play for a third time in two days as heavy rain continued to fall and standing water began to pool in areas around the course. Tournament officials made the official announcement at 3:15 p.m. ET, just 15 minutes before the live coverage on CBS.
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