Ryder Cup weather to be ‘wet and windy’

WHILE the Ryder Cup is certain to turn the spotlight on Ireland’s reputation as a world-class destination for golfing enthusiasts, the much-awaited event is also likely to highlight another well-known feature of Irish life — our inclement weather.

As millions — if not billions as suggested in some over-the-top predictions — of people around the world tune in to see the best golfers in Europe and the US do battle at the K Club, they are also bound to realise that rumours about our notorious changeable weather have not been over-hyped.

Unlike the pleasant conditions which prevailed at recent Ryder Cups staged at the Belfry in England and Oakland Hills in Michigan, the 2006 event in Ireland could prove a washout, meteorologically speaking.

Long-range forecasts for next weekend suggest the thousands of golfing fans heading to the K Club can expect unsettled conditions.

“I’m afraid the news isn’t that good as it’s going to be wet and windy” said Met Éireann forecaster Evelyn Cusack yesterday.

Although the precise nature of the threat of bad weather to disrupt play won’t become clear for another 24 hours, Ms Cusack said current patterns indicated that weather conditions could be “quite challenging” for both golfers and spectators when the Ryder Cup starts on Friday.

“The forecast isn’t that great. Rain will be moving in from the Atlantic at the weekend and there is a strong possibility of heavy showers,” said Ms Cusack.

A spokesperson for the Ryder Cup said play will continue at the K Club, no matter what the weather, “as long as it is deemed safe”.

However, some ticket holders could find themselves unlucky as the organisers have insisted that daily tickets will only be valid on the day for which it is issued, irrespective of whether play is interrupted.

In the event that the final day’s play on Sunday is delayed, only spectators holding Sunday tickets will be guaranteed access to the course for any resumed play on Monday.

Temperatures are expected to average a mild around 17°-18°C.

“The best advice is to bring some light rain gear,” said Ms Cusack.

Golf fans travelling to the practice sessions which begin today are also likely to face mixed weather.

Early sunny spells this morning will give way to more wet and windy conditions later in the afternoon.

Rainy weather will continue into tomorrow with more persistent heavy showers forecasted before a mixture of sunshine and scattered showers on Thursday.