Ryder Cup ‘set to finish on time’
Winds gusting to more than 40mph saw fans prevented from travelling to the course amid fears for their safety, with several trees brought down around the Palmer Course.
European Tour executive director George O’Grady admitted extending the contest into Monday was always a possibility.
“We do not envisage that at the moment. We have time up our sleeve when Sunday comes. I think this is a one-off today.”
Any delay to play would make it difficult to complete foursomes and fourballs on each of the first two days, but with Sunday comprising only 12 singles, there is an opportunity then to make up for lost time.
“We want to play if the golf course is playable, and by that we mean balls stationary on the greens,” O’Grady said.
One issue certainly being considered is whether preferred lies — also known as “lift, clean and place” — will be necessary when play gets underway on Friday.
“The situation will be decided by chief referee Andy McFee, but in total agreement with the two captains.
“The course is immaculate, but very, very wet. We will resist the temptation as far as we possibly can, but we would if we had to,” O’Grady said.
European captain Ian Woosnam revealed he had given his team the option to play or not as gusting winds continued, but was glad they all agreed to head out on to the course.
“I understand a lot of guys might not want to go out and ruin their swings — but this might be the calmest day for a while,” said the former world number one.
“One of the main reasons we came out is that 45,000 people had paid a lot of money to come and watch so I thought it was important we went at least to the practice ground, even if it was to just hit a few shots.”
Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said the decision was taken to close the course to non-essential staff on Wednesday morning because of the 40mph winds.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
