AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - Rain or shine patrons will never turn down an opportunity to visit the Augusta National Golf Club to get a look at both the course and the golfers. 

As patrons flocked to the course Friday, there was more than just golf on their minds.

Lauren Smalls is a first-time patron from Williston, South Carolina  “I said let’s get here early, and see as much as we can,” she said. "I came prepared with this rain jacket because I know it’s probably going to happen.”

Many returning patrons have a weather story of their own. Sandy Bonsall has been visiting the tournament for years from Ft. Pierce, Florida, and remembered a time when she and others had to take shelter. “It was kind of crazy,” she recalled. “A lot of ladies were in the ladies’ room under cover.”

In tournament history, 47 of the 86 Masters Tournaments have seen rain; 8 days have been postponed due to the weather. On four occasions golfers have had to be scheduled for 36 holes in a single day.

Margaret Parrish is from Augusta and has been visiting the tournament since she was 8. “I’ve seen many people slide down the hill at number 6 in white pants, not a pretty look,“ she recalled.

While she is not necessarily looking forward to the rain, her daughter Ava has a sunny outlook, saying she's actually excited. “It will cool me down.“

If rain cancels any of the play this weekend and Monday rounds become necessary, that will be the first time this has happened since 1983. Download the FOX54 News Now app for updates on The Masters Tournament as we get them. 

Copyright 2023 WFXG. All rights reserved.