PGA TOUR

Rains washes out Monday at the Masters

(Andrew Redington/ Getty Images)

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The first day of the Masters didn’t last very long.

Storms moved into the area just two hours after the gates opened at Augusta National for the first full day of practice. Players had to get off the golf course. Fans made a steady stream for the exit.

A few hours later, the club said the forecast for even heavier rain meant the course would be off limits the rest of the day.

Masters chairman Billy Payne said fans who had Monday tickets will be sent refunds in May and will be guaranteed a chance to buy tickets for next year’s practice round.

It was the first time in 11 years that the Monday practice was a washout. The gates did not open in 2003 all day.