Some PGA players will have to arrive late to the US Open if they want to have a go at winning the $450,000 top prize at the St Jude Classic.
Wet weather suspended final-round play at the $2.5 million PGA event yesterday, delaying the finish of the final tune-up for the year's second major golf championship until today. Practice rounds for the US Open begin today at Pinehurst Country Club's number two course.
Curtis Strange, eight-under overall with five holes to play, was critical of officials for not freeing players to prepare for the Open. "I don't agree with the decision," Strange said. "I want to get out of here. I have work to do (at Pinehurst)."
Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain had the lead at 15-under par through 14 holes of his final round, although the players with the best chance of capturing the title were barely on the course.
Olazabal was eight-under par for his final round before showers struck. A 20-foot birdie putt on the 14th gave him the lead when play was halted, ensuring him momentum entering the Open if not a victory.
Six players standing at 14-under par included Ted Tryba and Tim Herron, who had just hit their drives on the first hole, plus a trio that had finished only one hole - Hal Sutton, Omar Uresti and Tom Lehman. Brett Quigley was another stroke back at 13-under through two holes.
