The Masters: Trees fall near patrons at Augusta National

Augusta National Golf Club has confirmed that there were no injuries after three trees came down close to patrons during the second round of the 2023 Masters.

Footage widely shared on social media showed the moment a tree fell between the 15th green and 17th tee.

It was subsequently reported that two other trees had also come down.

Early reports from on the ground suggested that, remarkably, nobody had been hurt, news that was corroborated by tournament officials in a statement late on Friday.

• Grand slam-chasing McIlroy misses Masters cut

• How Koepka can make Masters history this weekend

“Augusta National Golf Club can confirm that no injuries were reported from three trees that were blown over to the left of the No. 17 tee due to wind,” said a spokesperson.

“The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters Tournament will always be the top priority of the Club.

“We will continue to closely monitor weather today and through the Tournament.”

a serious weather / safety concern at Augusta wow pic.twitter.com/CQ6Ainu95A

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 7, 2023

Inclement conditions caused the suspension of play twice during Friday’s second round. Once, briefly, at at 3:07pm and again at 4.22pm, after which play was called off for the rest of the day with around half of the field still to complete their rounds.

The second round is scheduled to resume at 8am local time on Saturday (1pm UK) although heavy rain is forecast for much of Saturday, raising the very real prospect of a first Monday finish at The Masters since 1983.

• Inside the chaos of the Masters Golf Shop

• “You need to stop” – Garcia bristles at reporter

As things stand, Brooks Koepka is out in front on 12-under-par, three shots ahead of Jon Rahm who still has three holes of his second round to play.

Amateur Sam Bennett is a further shot adrift having completed his round, with Collin Morikawa (F) and Viktor Hovland (thru 10) on six-under-par.

Jason Day, Sam Burns and Jordan Spieth are all in the clubhouse on five-under alongside Cameron Young, who has nine holes of his second round to complete.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor