Strong winds halt British Open play
Play was called off for the day at the Women's British Open on Friday because of strong wind that disrupted the second round so badly that organizers declared early scores ''null and void.''
With wind gusting up to 60 mph, players struggled to keep the ball on the tees and greens before the round was suspended after an hour of play in the morning.
England's Felicity Johnson started with a quintuple bogey 9. American Cristie Kerr had her ball blown off the 12th tee three times. Co-leader So Yeon Ru of South Korea bogeyed her only hole, the 10th, before play was suspended.
''It would have been unfair to those competitors not to declare play null and void and cancel all scores for the round in question,'' Ladies Golf Union tournament director Susan Simpson said in a statement.
The second round is scheduled to start early Saturday, with conditions forecast to be more playable. Organizers said the cut will be reduced from 65 plus ties to 50 plus ties, including amateurs.
Rounds three and four will be played on Sunday with a two-tee start and no redraw after round three.
Only Michelle Wie, one of the tallest players on the tour, saw a lighter side.
''I think it's one day that's really good to be short, because I felt like a flagpole out there,'' she said.
With weather for Monday predicted to be similar to Friday, officials hope the tournament will not extend to a fifth day.