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Jon Kiger: The inevitable rain delay on Saturday; winding down on Sunday


Peter McCormick

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After two days of relatively good weather, the rainy day we all knew was coming arrived on Saturday. We experienced two lightning warnings in the afternoon and a steady then lashing rain.

 

We did our best to mow fairways and fill divots when it was safe to be back on the course. It was of course, all hands on deck for volunteers and full time staff. Many hands made light work and we were pleased that all this happened during the smaller field. Fewer players means fewer divots to find and fill.

 

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Waiting out one of the three rain/lightning delays on Saturday.

 

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Fans heading home and equipment heading back out onto the course creates a bit of a traffic jam.

 

We may have Danny Willett to thank for the ultimate suspension of play as he was seen describing in great detail how the rain and darkness was so harsh that he couldnt see his ball.

 

Play was suspended around 8:30 PM and we were relieved to be sent back to the hotel to dry out. As is commonplace at courses and maintenance facilities in Ireland, we hung our waterproofs in the drying room and they were ready to wear this morning.

 

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Crew drying room. Radiant heat in the floor dries waterproofs overnight so they are ready to wear in the morning.

 

Sunday morning we arrived at 5 AM and immediately headed out to tidy up the bunkers around the course. Most of the fairways, tees and greens were also mowed. We spread some mulch on pathways, had our breakfast and will now return to the course mostly as spectators for the rest of the day (save for one crew remaining on call for rain duty.)

 

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One of the last calls of duty: spreading mulch on the pedestrian paths.

 

A handful of groups returned to complete their rounds over the final three holes. With rain anticipated later this afternoon, tournament officials announced a split tee start after 9:00 AM. With any luck the winner should be determined by 2:00 PM.

 

Anticipation is building as tournament host Rory McIlroy is in the lead by three shots. 

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