The 2024 AIG Women’s Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, kicked off with brutal conditions on Thursday. Players faced strong winds that caused balls to blow off tees, sand to blow out of bunkers, and hats to fly off heads. Hinako Shibuno, known as the Smiling Assassin, even shot an 80 in the challenging conditions. Overall, the first round of the tournament showcased major championship golf at its most intense.
Even top players like Rose Zhang struggled with the conditions, with Zhang describing her experience as feeling like playing in handcuffs. The windy weather made the course incredibly difficult to navigate, with Scottish players like Gemma Dryburgh noting that the conditions were particularly brutal. Despite the challenges, tournament officials opted to continue play, watering the course to try and make the greens stickier.
The Old Course, known for its unique layout that winds along the coast like a fish hook, provided an added challenge in the windy conditions. Players battled gusts of up to 40-45 miles per hour, with some even taking cover behind bushes to shield themselves from the strong winds. The intense weather conditions tested the skills of all the players and provided a true test of their abilities on the course.
The wind was a dominant force throughout the round, affecting players’ shots and making it difficult to maintain stability on the greens. Nicole Broch Estrup experienced issues with her ball repeatedly moving on the green, requiring multiple interventions from rules officials. The challenging conditions led to backups on the course, further complicating the playing experience for the competitors.
Despite the difficult conditions, some players, like Georgia Hall, embraced the challenge of raw, natural golf. Hall, who made an eagle on her final hole, highlighted the unique nature of playing in such extreme weather. Ruoning Yin also found success in the windy conditions, attributing her strong performance to adapting and making the wind her friend on the course.
The challenging weather conditions at the AIG Women’s Open brought back memories of past tournaments, including the 2022 Open for the men, where the Old Course was played in calm and benign conditions. The stark contrast between the calm conditions of the past and the fierce winds of the present highlighted the unpredictability of golf and the importance of adapting to changing conditions on the course.
As the tournament progresses, players can expect more windy and rainy weather, providing a true test of their skills and resilience on the course. The AIG Women’s Open promises to be an exciting and unpredictable competition, with players showcasing their ability to adapt and perform in challenging conditions. Overall, the tournament embodies the spirit of golf as an ever-evolving and thrilling sport that tests players in unique and exciting ways.
