A solar eclipse will sweep across the United States on Monday, April 8, and cause a phenomenon that will fascinate astronomers and everyday people alike. And likely several of golf’s greatest stars.
While the path of totality bisects the mid-section of the U.S., crossing over Eagle Pass, Texas, around 2:30 p.m. before passing over Indianapolis, Cleveland, Erie, Pa., and Buffalo, N.Y., before exiting the country around 3:30 p.m. over the northeast portion of Maine, Augusta will also have some effects in the form of an annular eclipse.
The Masters Tournament will be in the middle of its first day of practice rounds as the event begins, which will darken the skies a bit over Augusta National Golf Club.
Here’s what to expect in the Augusta area.
How will the 2024 solar eclipse affect the Masters?
A partial solar eclipse will begin around 1:50 p.m. Monday in Augusta and last around 2 1/2 hours. Augusta will see about 80% of the sun covered by the moon at its peak, which will be around 3:08 p.m.
Practice rounds will be winding down during the duration of the eclipse, and enough light should remain for those on the course to continue.
Has a solar eclipse ever impacted the Masters?
The 1940 Masters tournament experienced an annular eclipse on the day of the final round, when 90% of the sun was covered. The April 7 eclipse reached maximum coverage around 5:06 p.m. and lasted around 2 hours, 40 minutes, according to timeanddate.com.
Jimmy Demaret won the first of three Masters titles with an 8-under 280, four strokes ahead of Lloyd Mangrum. He earned $1,500 for the victory.