Storm delays opening of practice round at Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta National has opened its gates after a 45-minute delay to give workers time to clean debris from overnight storms before practice rounds at the Masters.

The storms toppled trees and some power lines across town. There was no word on any damage to the golf course.

Chain saws could be heard from various corners of the course Tuesday. In the final minutes before fans were allowed on Augusta National, numerous carts were hauling away tree limbs. Some marshals were picking up debris from fairways.

PGA champion Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka were the first to tee off for a practice round. Defending champion Phil Mickelson also was set to play, bounding up stairs to the champions locker room with coach Butch Harmon in tow.