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Inclement weather closes K Club

20/09/2006

Fears that weather could hamper the Ryder Cup this weekend have risen today after the K Club was closed to spectators and all play was suspended while strong winds passed over County Kildare.

Players from both teams were due to start their second practice rounds this morning but winds from the tail end of Hurricane Gordon topped 40mph in the region making play impossible.

A statement from Europe Ryder Cup LLP, which organises the event, said: "Severe winds gusting to more than 40mph have necessitated that we close the K Club to spectators and all non-essential staff.

"The decision has been taken in the interests of spectator safety. There are specific units that represent a danger to safety and therefore entry was suspended at 06.30 BST.

"The situation is being reviewed at 09:00 BST. All spectators should remain at home if they have not already left for the course or in their hotels and monitor the news bulletins on TV and radio."

Today's disruption comes after European captain Ian Woosnam yesterday admitted he is growing increasingly concerned that bad weather could affect this weekend's action.

With the groundsmen already having to cope with heavy rainfall on Monday and further showers predicted for the weekend, the Welshman admitted the elements could play a deciding factor.

"I think what we've got to worry about is will we be able to play the golf course," Woosnam said.

"They had to rough the bunkers up to dry them out a little bit. Today, two of our players were in bunkers and basically just couldn't get the ball out there's so many rake marks."

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