BellSouth set for marathon Monday

Olazabal won his second Masters title in 1999

Stars gunning for next week's Masters had their build-up further disrupted when the BellSouth Classic was washed out for the second day running.

And they are now being asked to play 36 holes on Monday on one of the most demanding courses on the US Tour, just three days before 2005's first major.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson and past winners Ian Woosnam and Jose Maria Olazabal are among the 24 affected.

But England's Luke Donald, who is also Augusta-bound, withdrew on Thursday.

While Donald cited a shoulder injury, Americans Chris DiMarco and Steve Flesch withdrew without giving any reason.

The duo could be fined if it is discovered they pulled out simply to be at Augusta National at the start of next week.

Britons Brian Davis and Phillip Price, 44th and 173rd respectively on the money list, will be unconcerned by a Monday finish as they are not in the field for the Masters.

It's not the ideal preparation for Augusta, but it's harder for those who have not played in many Masters Jose Maria Olazabal

Olazabal also says he will play Monday's marathon and cut back on his practice time at Augusta.

"I'm playing on invitations this season, so it would not be the right thing for me to pull out because of next week," said the 1994 and 1999 Masters champion, who lost his exempt status on the US Tour last year.

"It's not the ideal preparation for Augusta, but it's harder for those who have not played in many Masters.

"I'll play 18 holes on Tuesday and then take things a bit easier on Wednesday so that I don't tire myself out.

"Playing the course is not as important as getting the pace of the greens - that's absolutely crucial.

"You can do a lot of that work on the practice green and chipping area because they keep those at exactly the same speed."