Immelman leads as Masters turns wet

Umbrellas popped up all over the course as play began in a light drizzle. With the leaders still waiting to tee off, the horns sounded and play was halted about 1 p.m. EDT when a line of heavy storms moved over the course.

Trevor Immelman was set to play in the final group and held a one-stroke lead, while Tiger Woods looked to make up a seven-shot deficit that jeopardized his Grand Slam hopes in the year’s very first major.

The forecast called for a chance of isolated thunderstorms through mid-afternoon, which would soften Augusta National’s treacherous greens. But the players couldn’t be too excited about the prospect of gusts up to 20 mph, especially down in Amen Corner.

The first two rounds were played in nearly perfect conditions, the temperature rising into the mid-80s. That was a striking contrast to a year ago, when frigid temperatures and bitter wind allowed Zach Johnson to capture the green jacket at 1 over, tied for the highest winning score in Masters history.

After the rains move out, cooler temperatures are expected for Sunday’s final round, though nothing comparable to 2007. The high is expected to be in the 60s.

Immelman, who was in a hospital bed just four months ago, shot his second straight 68 on Friday for an 8-under 136 total. That he’s even playing at all is a wonder.

The South African came down with a stomach parasite during last year’s Masters, lost 20 pounds, and needed a month to recover. But the real scare came in December, when Immelman felt a severe pain around his ribcage and struggled to breathe. Doctors removed a golf ball-sized tumor that turned out to be benign.