The U.S. Open Final Round is set to face weather challenges, with rain forecasted for Sunday afternoon. Let’s break down what this means for the tournament.

Weather Forecast

The forecast indicates a 60% chance of rain starting around 1 pm ET, which may impact play. However, the USGA has contingency plans in place to ensure the tournament continues safely and fairly.

Rain Delay Rules

– Immediate Suspension: One long sound of the air horn signals an immediate suspension of play due to imminent danger, such as lightning. Players must evacuate the course without making another stroke.
– Normal Suspension: Three consecutive sounds of the air horn signal a normal suspension, allowing players to finish the hole they’re playing or stop play due to darkness or prolonged rain without lightning.

Impact on Play

If play is suspended due to rain, the tournament will pick up where it left off on the next available day. If the Final Round cannot be completed on Sunday, it will likely restart on Monday morning.

Ticket Policy

The USGA has a ticket policy that allows fans to attend the tournament the following day when play resumes, especially if players are on the course for less than five hours in a single day. If you choose not to attend under these circumstances, you may be eligible for a refund ¹ ².

Safety Precautions

The USGA prioritizes fan safety, and in case of lightning, fans are advised to seek shelter immediately. The USGA will communicate important safety information through special alerts on leaderboards, thru boards, and video boards ³.

Possible Scenarios

– Delayed Start: If the rain is heavy, the start of the Final Round might be delayed, allowing players to tee off later in the day.
– Play Suspended and Resumed: If play is suspended due to rain, it will resume when the course is deemed safe and playable.
– Monday Finish: In extreme cases, if the Final Round cannot be completed on Sunday, it will be completed on Monday.

The USGA has a comprehensive plan in place to handle weather-related disruptions, ensuring the tournament’s integrity and fan safety. Stay tuned for updates on the weather forecast and tournament schedule ¹.