Lowry ready for weather challenge as Masters start is delayed

Rory McIlroy will now tee off at 1:12 pm local time (6:12 pm Irish time) and Shane Lowry at 2:54 pm. (7:54 pm Irish).

CALM BEFORE THE STORM: Shane Lowry, of Ireland, holds his daughter Ivy on the first hole during the par-3 contest. Pic: Ashley Landis, AP

The opening round of the Masters has been delayed until a 10:30 am local time start by overnight rain, with the Honorary Starters leading things off at 10:10 am. Everyone will play off the first tee with each original tee time delayed by two-and-a-half hours.

Rory McIlroy will tee off at 1:12 pm local time (6:12 pm Irish time) and Shane Lowry at 2:54 pm. (7:54 pm Irish).

The forecast originally called for strong wind gusts up to 45 mph and rain until the early afternoon, but the anticipated early-morning storms ultimately pushed through just south of Augusta National and reduced the chances of thunderstorm delays. The precipitation, which did not exceed a half inch, is expected to move out later today and remain clear for the duration of the weekend.

Winds are still forecast to peak at 40 mph before noon and continue to be gusty up to 30-35 mph through the afternoon.

Lowry seemed blissfully unaware of the impending weather when he enjoyed Wednesday’s Par 3 Contest.

“To be honest, I didn’t even know that,” Lowry said when told about the forecasted wind. “Obviously the rain first tomorrow, I have a later tee time so it’s probably pretty good. I am going to know what the weather is doing and if there will be delays or anything.

“Yeah, as regards the wind, you just have to pick your wind, your shot, and hit it. It's kind of in the lap of the gods then. You need to be in control of it, and when you get out of position you just need to make sure your worst score is a bogey.

“I think that’s kind of the way you need to play this course. I’ll be ready for it. I’m sure everybody will be ready for the course. Yeah, certain times when if the wind is like that you might hit good shots and not get rewarded. You have to take it on the chin and move on.

“When the wind is swirling here it’s very hard. Sounds like going to be a tricky Masters and scoring is going to be quite difficult. I don’t mind that. Ready for the challenge.” 

Lowry was one of the many players to not post an official Par 3 Contest score. Rory McIlroy did not participate in the pre-tournament tradition, instead finishing his second nine-hole practice round on the front side late in the afternoon.