Showers could soften up course, delay play
Web posted 04/12/97
Rain is in the forecast for today's third round of the Masters, which could affect how the tournament concludes on the weekend.
Weather forecasts for today show almost 100 percent chance of thundershowers in the morning, which should turn to scattered showers in the afternoon. Winds are expected to range between 15 and 25 miles an hour. Temperatures will be in the low 70s.
The Augusta National Golf Club course has played difficult the first two rounds because of its hard, fast conditions. Rain would make for softer, more receptive greens.
``One of the things is it brings out the worms,'' said Tom Watson, who is seven strokes back at 1-under par. ``It's going to bring out the worm casings. Then you will get mud on the ball and there will be some muddy lies out there.''
The last time the tournament was completed on Monday was 1983 when Seve Ballesteros won his second title. A rainout on Friday caused the extra day. Rain also forced Monday finishes in 1936, 1961 and 1973.
In 1992, rain halted play on Saturday and forced the leaders to finish the third round on Sunday morning. Fred Couples won the tournament, thanks in part to his tee shot in the final round sticking to a rain-soaked bank above Rae's Creek on No. 12. Couples got up and down for par on the hole.


