Rory McIlroy’s dreams of landing an elusive Masters title look to be over this year after a stormy day two at Augusta saw play cut short and fans avoid injury from falling trees.
Three trees fell next to the 17th tee, moments before play was suspended because of electrical storms.
Northern Ireland’s McIlroy, 33, shot a 77 which puts him five over, with the cut projected to come at two over.
Brooks Koepka leads on 12 under from amateur Sam Bennett on eight under.
American Koepka was one of three overnight leaders and moved further ahead with a five-under 67 on Friday.
Bennett, a 23-year-old American making his Masters debut, is his nearest challenger in the clubhouse after a four-under 68.
Collin Morikawa, the 2021 Open champion, shot another 69 to move six under, with his American Ryder Cup team-mate Jordan Spieth – the 2015 winner – and Australia’s former world number one Jason Day a shot behind on five under.
Defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler struggled with the putter as he carded a three-over 75 to leave him on one under.
Fans avoid injury after trees fall
The early starters managed to complete their rounds at Augusta National before play was suspended twice by the weather.
The first stoppage came at 15:10 local time (20:10 BST), but the threat passed quickly and play resumed after a 20-minute pause.
Increasingly gusty winds led to three trees falling at the side of the 17th holes, where many patrons were sat and forced to quickly move.
Augusta officials confirmed there were no injuries.
“The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters Tournament will always be the top priority of the club,” added organisers.
Heavier rain forced the players off again at 16:25 (21:25 BST) – just as Scottish veteran Sandy Lyle was preparing to take the final putt of his stellar career.
Lyle, 65, became the first British player to win the Masters in 1988 and recently announced he was retiring after playing once again at the scene of one of his greatest triumphs.
He is one of 39 players – along with Koepka’s overnight co-leaders Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm – who must return to finish their second rounds on Saturday after play was called off at 17:46 local time (22:46 BST).
The long delay could give a massive advantage to those already in a clubhouse.
Slicker greens, higher winds and colder temperatures could prove pivotal in deciding who wins the famous Green Jacket – and more unpredictable weather is forecast over the weekend.
There have only ever been five Monday finishes in the Masters’ 89-year history but there is the real prospect this could be the first since 1983.
More to follow.