Storms delay start at Hazeltine

A clearing-up operation further delayed the United States PGA Championship at Hazeltine National near Minneapolis on Saturday.

The scheduled resumption of the second round was pushed back from 8.30am ET to 10.15am ET following overnight thunderstorms which dumped a reported three inches of rain on the area.

Greenkeeping staff were on the course before daybreak, but the 41 players unable to finish their rounds last night were informed early that there was a further hold-up.

Nearly three hours had been lost on the first day of the final Major of the season, but the Friday evening weather had a far bigger effect on the event and officials were just happy to report that nobody was hit by lightning.

Eleven years ago at the same venue a spectator was killed during another violent electrical storm, but advance warning systems are much more sophisticated nowadays and play was halted with the worst of the cloudbursts still several miles from the action.

American Fred Funk led by one overnight on seven under par, but still had five holes to complete.

Compatriots Justin Leonard, Mark Calcavecchia and Rich Beem and South African Retief Goosen were all in at six under, while Tiger Woods was on the short 17th and three under par when the sirens sounded.

The world number one has been interrupted both days. He had hit just one shot on Thursday morning when players were called into the clubhouse for the first time.

Even though the rain had cleared away all the golfers left in the event knew they were in for a tough day. A wind had come in and was expected to include gusts of up to 40mph during the day.

That would doubtless bring back memories of Muirfield last month for Woods and for others.

The Masters and US Open champion, still going for the Grand Slam of all four Majors in one season at the time, was blown to a third-round 81 - his highest-ever score as a professional.

Funk has revealed that an inspiration to him this week is his 57-year-old brother Bernie.

"He has a drinking problem and was really down and out about two and a half weeks ago," said Funk.

"He knew he needed help and he's pulled himself out of this thing. I'm so proud of him.

"If I don't win this it's not because of being scared. I'm going to show the strength that my brother has and I'm drawing from him. It's very emotional."

At 46 himself Funk would be the fourth oldest winner of a Major ever and, having finished second on two of his last three starts on the US Tour, he could not be feeling better about his game.

He is one of the shortest hitters, though, and on the prospect of gales during the weekend he said: "Obviously, I've got to keep the putter going.

"I'm just trying to do the best I can and enjoy the moment. I'm going to give it my all. We all practise and work really hard to get to this kind of position and sometimes your nerves don't handle it too well and sometimes they do.

"I'm hoping my mindset stays the same and I can continue to play like I have been doing.

"It's just going to be a battle of patience and I'm really sure that talent is the biggest thing that comes out when you have severe weather conditions.

"When Tiger shows up on the board he intimidates everybody. A generation ago it was the same with Nicklaus."

Justin Rose, joint third after his opening 69, had fallen back to 21st at one under with four holes left of his second round.