Open set for Monday finish

The Open Championship will have a Monday finish for only the second time in its history after high winds postponed play on Saturday.

With 42 golfers still to complete their second rounds – having managed just 32 minutes’ play after returning at 7am this morning before being blown off St Andrews’ Old Course – there is no possibility of completing the remainder of the tournament in time.

Organisers the R&A made the decision to extend the event into a fifth day with the plan to finish round two on Saturday, and the third and fourth rounds to follow on Sunday and Monday.

The only time the Open has previously been extended to Monday was when rain severely affected the 1988 event at Royal Lytham, where Seve Ballesteros went on to claim his third Claret Jug.

“The intention is to complete the second round today with round three to be played on Sunday and the final round to be played on Monday,” said a statement.

“The forecasts predict a drop in wind speeds between 3 & 4pm. Play is expected to resume at 4pm, providing acceptable wind speeds.

“An announcement regarding Saturday and Monday tickets will be made shortly.”