Weather tests golfers at Open Championship

It looks like being a race against the weather to finish the Open Championship golf over the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland.

The weather conditions on the world’s oldest golf course have tested players to their limits on the first three days.

Torrential rain on Thursday caused a rapid flooding of some of the greens. The first players teed off at 05:32 GMT but were forced off the course just 14 minutes later.

Play was eventually resumed at 09:00 GMT after groundkeepers swept water from the greens.

Another suspension followed on Saturday. This time, strong winds were responsible. Players found stationary balls moving as gusts of wind reached 65 kilometres per hour.

Play was halted at 06:32 GMT on Saturday and not resumed until 17:00 GMT.

As a result of all the delays, the Royal and Ancient committee were forced to announce that the final round would be played on Monday.

This is only the second time in the tournament’s 155 year history that play has been extended by a day. The last time was in 1988.

Weather conditions for Sunday’s round are expected to be better. Winds will be lighter and although rain can be expected at times, it will be nothing out of the ordinary for an exposed links course, lying on the shores of the North Sea.

For the final round, the morning is expected to be cloudy but dry. Rain will become an increasing risk in the afternoon. The eventual winner will be able to take satisfaction in knowing he has beaten not only some of the world’s best golfers, but also the worst that Scotland’s weather can throw at him.