Here’s hoping that today’s bad news doesn’t turn into the same for tomorrow and the rest of the Master’s weekend. The Par 3 Contest that opens the official competitive action of the 2012 Masters was cancelled today due to "dangerous weather," even after several superb shots (captured in videos for you already in this storystream) from Craig Stadler and Mark Wilson among others. Padraig Harrington and Jonathan Byrd were declared the winners of the shortened competition. From the official release:
Byrd rolled in a birdie putt on the final hole to tie Harrington as sirens sounded to mark the suspension of play at Augusta National. Adam Scott reached 5 under earlier in his round, but finished at 4 under and was tied for third with Webb Simpson and Jerry Pate, both of whom were still on the course when play was halted.
The weather forecast for the opening round on Thursday and the second round on Friday is also calling for thunderstorms, so the outlook doesn’t look good for either day. Sunshine is coming over the weekend, so perhaps the tournament can be pushed back. Practice rounds were able to be completed this morning, but it seems the Par 3 Contest will not be completed after all.
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