News from Augusta

Par-3 contest cancelled

8th April 1998 - A severe weather system with lightning and heavy rain moved into the Augusta area on Wednesday afternoon, forcing cancellation of the traditional Masters-eve par-3 contest and threatening the start of the tournament.

Strong winds and heavy rains were forecast for the rest of Wednesday and into Thursday, which could cause a delay in the start of the Masters if there is flooding on the course, or if the storm stalls and there is the threat of lightning.

Apart from the possibility of play not starting on time, most players were delighted with the prospect of rain softening Augusta National Golf Club's daunting course, which usually features rock-hard greens that are not very receptive to approach shots.

This area of eastern Georgia has received an unusual amount of rain recently, and it would not take too much more to thoroughly soak the 6,925-yard, par-72 course.

Most contestants would also welcome a softer course because it would counter some of defending champion Tiger Woods' tremendous length, especially off the tee. Soft ground would prevent his drives from rolling very far after landing.

Of course, every player would be subject to the same circumstances. But many would still welcome seeing Woods hitting something besides a wedge to almost every green -- as he seemed to do last year in winning with a record score and by a record margin.

After the par-3 contest -- a 38-year tradition the day before the Masters -- was halted by the weather, Sandy Lyle of Britain, who won the 1988 Masters, was declared the winner of the nine-hole event with a score of 24. Sandy also won the contest last year.