Golf-Masters start delayed amid Augusta storms

The start of the Masters has been delayed by at least one hour, the Augusta National Golf Club said on Thursday, with a forecast of showers and a thunderstorm predicted in the morning. On Wednesday, officials said they would delay all gate openings in the morning. Spaniard Jon Rahm is the defending champion.

The start of the Masters has been delayed by at least one hour, the Augusta National Golf Club said on Thursday, with a forecast of showers and a thunderstorm predicted in the morning. The opening round of the 88th edition of the Masters was scheduled to get under way at 8 a.m. local time (1200 GMT).

"We continue to monitor the weather closely. Gate openings and tee times have been delayed until further notice. The first round will not begin before 9 a.m.," Augusta National said in a statement. On Wednesday, officials said they would delay all gate openings in the morning.

Spaniard Jon Rahm is the defending champion.