Winds force second-ever British Open Monday finish
For just the second time ever, the British Open will be decided on a Monday.
After a lengthy delay caused by sustained 40 mph winds at St. Andrews, the R&A announced it only intends to complete second-round play on Saturday. The plan is to then play the full third round on Sunday and the final round on Monday, just the second time that's happened in the 144 times this tournament has been played.
Update: The intention is to complete the second round today with R3 to be played on Sunday and the final round to be played on Monday.
— The R&A (@RandA) July 18, 2015
This will mark the first Monday finish at the Open since 1988, when Seve Ballesteros shot a final-round 65 on Monday to win his third and final British Open by two shots over 54-hole leader Nick Price.
Second-round play did resume briefly on Saturday morning, as heavy winds blew through the Old Course. Several holes were played even though golf balls started oscillating on putting surfaces. R&A officials seemed adamant that play would continue but eventually relented to players, like Brooks Koepka, who refused to continue. After about a half hour, the R&A suspended play again.
Credit @BKoepka with protecting the field. Ball oscillating on 11th green when told by R&A rules official to play on. He rightfully refused.
— Tim Rosaforte (@TimRosaforte) July 18, 2015
The R&A will soon announce how it intends to honor Saturday tickets for the remainder of the championship.
Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.
