A soft morning drizzle turned into a downpour, and the Masters was hit with a 40-minute rain delay, pushing Tiger Woods’ tee time to 1:50 p.m.

Hey, look on the good side: That’s more live minutes of television time this afternoon for those who haven’t started yet.

It was a quick drenching, but enough to change the third-round dynamics. How can a softer course not play into the hands of big hitters?

Greens will be softer. Players can be more aggressive with approach shots and putts. If you’re gonna make a strong move, the first nine holes will be a good time to do it.

Leader Trevor Immelman ranks first in driving accuracy and fourth in distance this week. Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink and Woods also are among the top 10 or so in driving distance.

Look for everybody to come out firing.

Zach Johnson already might have set the tone; he was 3-under-par through six holes before the weather delay and had reached 1-under for the tournament. Boo Weekley was 2-under after four holes and had fought back to even par.

Birdies are out there, but players better take advantage. Temperatures already are dipping and winds are expected to blow.

So who’s gonna weather this Saturday storm?