The Scottish Open was reduced to a three-round event Saturday after torrential rain overnight and throughout the day flooded the Castle Stuart links course at Inverness, causing havoc with the playing schedule.
There was no play possible until at least 7 p.m. (1800 GMT) – when half of the field hoped to complete their second rounds – but the danger of more rain and thunderstorms was threatening to wipe out the entire third days play.
Should the unfinished second-round groupings go out Saturday, spectators were not being allowed on watch on five of the holes because of the state of the walkways. Organizers said two spectators sustained broken legs as conditions worsened during Fridays action.
The third round and final is scheduled to take place on Sunday while there is also the possibility of the tournament spilling over into Monday – but only to conclude a round, not to start one.
The British Open – the third major of the year – starts Thursday.
Former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell was in a three-way share of the lead at 11 under with Scottish pair Peter Whiteford and Scott Jamieson. All three players finished their second rounds in dry, still conditions early on Friday.
Spains Jose Manuel Lara was one shot adrift, with three players – Argentinas Angel Cabrera, Belgiums Nicolas Colsaerts and Scotlands Paul Lawrie – at 9 under.
First-round leaders Lee Westwood of England and Mark Tullo of Chile, as well as No.1-ranked Luke Donald, were still to complete their second rounds. All three were on 7 under when play was stopped early Friday following the second of two stoppages because of thunderstorms and heavy rain.