Dangerous weather has forced players and patrons off Augusta National in the lead up to the Masters.

While Jason Day was able to get in an early nine holes of practice, other Australian players were left without the chance to play as thunderstorms rolled towards the course.

John Senden and Marc Leishman were playing the first hole when the warning siren was sounded around 10am local time, cutting short their practice.

Thankfully for the duo both had already had a look at the course, Leishman last week and Senden on Sunday.

“It is what it is,” Leishman said shortly after as rain came down heavily.

“The course wouldn’t have really played like it will later in the week anyway.

“Hopefully this will roll through and we will be good to go again soon.”

Steven Bowditch and Matt Jones, late inclusions into the field over the last two weeks after victories in Texas, are still to see the course as they prepare for their Masters debut.

Defending champion Adam Scott has already played numerous practice rounds over the last month, including one with his father Phil.

Amateur Oliver Goss has also managed a few rounds, one with Day.

The gates had been open just two hours before patrons were asked to leave – the first time in exactly 11 years bad weather has affected a scheduled day.

“We are disappointed that our patrons could not enjoy today’s practice round, however, safety must be our first concern. We look forward to seeing these Patrons next year,” Billy Payne, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament said.

Augusta National announced refunds would be given and those holders would be guaranteed the chance to buy practice round tickets again next year.

The silver lining comes in the form of the extended forecast with only a small chance of rain for Tuesday’s practice round and the remainder of the week is forecasted to be dry and sunny.