Masters chaos as spectators evacuated, bans issued

More than 40,000 spectators have been evacuated from the US Masters in extraordinary scenes on the first day at the tournament.

Spectators have been evacuated and play suspended at the 89th Masters in an extraordinary start to the iconic golf tournament overnight.

The Augusta National Golf Club issued a notice for spectators to exit the famous course at 11.25am local time with a dozen players on the course and about as many others on the driving range or chipping and putting practice areas, AFP reports.

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Shortly before 3pm, officials announced the course would not reopen with ticket holders being sent refunds in May and assured the chance to buy practice round tickets for 2026.

The opening practice day traditionally attracts up to 50,000 spectators.

“We are disappointed our patrons could not fully enjoy today’s practice round, but the safety of everyone at Augusta National is our highest priority and was the determining factor in the decision to cancel,” Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said.

Patrons made a speedy exit. Photo by Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA.

A sign was posted on the scoreboard announcing play had been suspended. Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.

“We look forward to welcoming back our Monday patrons next year as well as celebrating a wonderful 89th Masters tournament ahead of us this week.”

Storms caused chaos earlier in the day as the warning horn was sounded for all spectators to leave, The Sun reports.

The storms had already seen fans initially banned from entering the much loved venue in Georgia.

A separate Augusta National statement said: “Due to expected inclement weather and safety concerns, patron gates will not open as scheduled for Monday’s practice round.

“All patron parking lots will remain closed until further notice.

“No patrons should approach Augusta National until more details are released.”

The WJBF television station in Augusta, Georgia issued an alert from 11am until 5pm local time in the town.

They stated the main threats are “damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding”.

The WJBF added that “isolated large hail and brief, weak tornadoes cannot be ruled out”.

Augusta has been peppered by storms in recent years.

It was not a fun day out for fans. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson.

Patrons depart the course under umbrellas. Photo by Michael Reaves / GETTY IMAGES.

During the 2023 tournament, three 100ft trees dramatically fell to the ground before play was suspended.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the scary and shocking scenes.

Then Hurricane Helene’s 200km per-hour winds wreaked more havoc last September, with the destruction wiping out some more trees — with one even landing on the 16th green which had to be remade.

Georgia and the surrounding states are still recovering from the hurricane.

Hundreds of people lost their lives, homes were wrecked and there was billions of dollars worth of damage.

Thankfully, the forecast for Tuesday night (AEST) is much better.

For the actual golf tournament, Thursday is expected to be the hottest day with highs of around 24C.

— with The Sun

Originally published as Masters chaos as spectators evacuated, bans issued