Masters Sunday is set to begin earlier in 2019 after tournament organisers confirmed that they were making the unprecedented move of adjusting tee times due to fears over inclement weather conditions at Augusta National.
While the final group usually begins their fourth round at approximately 2:45pm EDT, the leaders will now tee off at 9:20am - 2.20pm in the United Kingdom.
Play is set to get underway at the much earlier time of 7:30am EDT - 12.30PM BST - off both the No1 and No10 tees simultaneously with players grouped in threesomes rather than the usual pairs.
The decision comes with showers, heavy winds and thunderstorms forecast for Sunday afternoon at Augusta.
“The safety of everyone on our grounds is paramount,” said Augusta National Golf Club and Masters Tournament chairman Fred Ridley. “We also believe the earlier start will give us the best opportunity to complete the Masters on Sunday.
"This decision should benefit everyone – the players, our patrons and our fans watching around the world. Given the competitiveness and drama of this year’s Tournament, we look forward to an exciting conclusion tomorrow.”
Tournament organisers will hope to avoid the first Monday finish at The Masters since 1983, though that remains an option if necessary.
