Australian Open suspended due to 80 kph winds
The final round of the Australian Open has been suspended due to 80 kph winds.
John Senden on the practice green only minutes before play was suspended. |
Adam Scott had just smashed his opening drive into the middle of the fairway at The Lakes when play was suspended at The Australian Open. Scott’s drive was even more impressive considering the course was being smashed by 80kph southerly winds.
The first cause for concern came when a TV tower was blown over on the 18th hole. The galleries were well clear of the tower but tournament organisers became increasingly worried that signage would be a danger to the players and the galleries.
Then came reports that balls were blowing about on the greens, with one golfer’s ball moving 5 feet from its original position.
Tournament director Trevor Herdern said greens were watered the greens last night and early Sunday morning, and were cut to be 5 inches slower than Saturday. But there’s not a golf course on the planet that can defend itself from 80kph winds.
Herdern is still confident that the tournament will finish today with winds expected to decrease by mid-afternoon. If not, a Monday morning finish could be on the cards.
Stay tuned…
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