Photos: Early Scenes from Augusta National on the First Day of Masters Week

The best players in the world returned to Augusta National Golf Club on Monday to begin their preparations for the 89th playing of the Masters. The year’s first major championship is set to begin Thursday morning and the weather for all four tournament days looks pretty darn good outside of this little Monday situation.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returns as the reigning Green Jacket winner and champion of two of the last three Masters. However, Rory McIlroy is once again the biggest story heading into the week as he needs a title amongst the Georgia Pines to complete the Career Grand Slam. He’s already won twice this season at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass.

Take a look through some photos from Monday morning at Augusta National before practice rounds were suspended due to inclement weather.

The Stars Have Arrived

The Course Looks Pristine (Shocker, We Know)

Patrons are Out for a Stroll