Koepka still ahead after enough rain-soaked day at the Masters

Chicago, Apr 8 (EFE).- Heavy rain disrupted The Masters again on Saturday, forcing play to be suspended about a third of the way through the third round with American Brooks Koepka still in the lead.

Koepka, a two-time US Open winner in pursuit of his first triumph at The Masters, improved to 13-under par after 42 holes and is four strokes ahead of Spain’s Jon Rahm.

A number of competitors were unable to conclude their second rounds on Friday due to thunderstorms and high winds that toppled three pine trees near a group of spectators at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.

Amid moderate rain, players finished the second round early Saturday and the weather cleared sufficiently to allow the third round to begin at 11:30 am, only for play to be suspended for the day at 3:15 pm due to the resumption of heavy rain.

Tournament organizers plan to re-start the third round at 8:30 am Sunday and begin the final round four hours later.

“I’m not too concerned about playing 29 holes or however many holes we’ve got left,” Koepka said. “It’s part of the deal. I’m pretty sure I’ll be up for it considering it is The Masters. So I don’t think anybody should have a problem with that.”

The forecast for Sunday calls for clearing skies and sunshine in the afternoon.

“It looks like it’s good weather tomorrow – so we’re going to have good weather conditions and most likely a soft golf course,” Rahm said.

The Spaniard bogeyed the 16th and 18th holes of his second round as conditions deteriorated Saturday morning.

American amateur Sam Bennett, the revelation of the tournament, is in third place at 6-under par, seven strokes behind Koepka.

Tied for fourth at 5-under par are Americans Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay, Norway’s Viktor Hovland and Briton Matt Fitzpatrick.

Five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods matched Fred Couples and Gary Player by making the cut at Augusta National for the 23rd consecutive time.

The 47-year-old American great is last in the 54-player field at 9-over par. EFE

am/dr