You are in > manchester.com  > News > Woosnam issues weather warning

Golf

Woosnam issues weather warning

19/09/2006

European captain Ian Woosnam has admitted he is worried that bad weather could affect this weekend's Ryder Cup.

As well as bracing itself for its first Ryder Cup, Ireland is also set to be hit by the tail-end of Hurricane Gordon, which is expected to bring heavy rain and gusty winds on Wednesday and Thursday.

With the groundsmen already having to cope with heavy rain dumped on the course 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."

The weather has already started a debate between the teams and the organisers over whether players can have preferred drops because the balls are picking up a lot of mud.

The organisers claim if 'lift, clean and places' are allowed, all the matches will not be able to be completed as there will be too many stoppages.

However, the organisers have said they are constantly monitoring the situation and they will be consulting with Woosnam and American captain Tom Lehman.

"We never want to have placing of the ball, but sometimes you just have to," David Garland, tournament director and European Tour director of operations, said.

"We're out monitoring things and will keep doing that daily. The course is soft obviously, but the greenkeeping team have been doing a very good job."

The greenkeepers have already been supplied with new tools to prevent as much damage as possible from occurring when they tend to the course.

© Adfero Ltd