THE OPENING round of the Masters could be disrupted by thunderstorms this week.

Golf’s biggest names will descend on Augusta National in Georgia for the 88th edition of the Masters.

The tournament is set to get underway on Thursday with four days of action.

However, the opening round is forecast to be threatened by thunderstorms in the area.

A slow-moving storm is set to bring heavy rainfall to Augusta this week, with showers expected on Tuesday.

Those showers are then forecast to be followed by cloudy conditions on Wednesday.

Possible thunderstorms are expected as the action begins on Thursday, though.

Augusta has been set to a level two out of five on the severe thunderstorm risk scale ahead of the possible weather disruption.

It is feared the storm could bring with it damaging winds and lightning.

Meanwhile, there is currently a sunny forecast for rounds two and three on Friday and Saturday.

Play was previously halted by the weather at last year’s Masters but the tournament was still completed inside four days.

Jon Rahm went on to win his first green jacket and the Spaniard will be back to defend his title this week.

He will be joined in the field by 15-time major winner Tiger Woods, who is set to appear despite his long-term injury woes.

Woods has been recovering from ankle surgery last year and was forced to withdraw on day three in 2023 due to back problems.