Golf: Weather big hazard for Masters

AUGUSTA - This week's US Masters golf championship, which has already experienced a bizarre lead-in because of the weather, could end up being dominated by a water hazard more treacherous than the infamous Rae's Creek.


Many a Masters contender has found a watery grave at Rae's Creek on either the par-three 12th or the par-five 13th but rainfall might play a much more significant role before the 2005 champion is decided on Monday (NZT).

Although the par-72 Augusta National layout was running remarkably firm and fast yesterday, the rain that has played havoc with this season's PGA Tour was expected to move in tomorrow and Friday.

Eight of the 14 events already completed on the 2005 tour have been severely hit by rain, with last week's BellSouth Classic the most recent to succumb.

The event, despite being reduced to three rounds, was forced into a fifth day on Monday.

- REUTERS