The PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship is facing challenges as Tropical Storm Debby brings up to eight inches of rain and strong winds to Greensboro, N.C. The tour announced that no fans would be allowed on the grounds on Thursday due to the expected severe weather conditions. Ken Tackett, the PGA tour’s chief referee, shares insight into the planning and decision-making process for managing the storm’s impact on the tournament.
Tackett explains that the tour is monitoring the weather closely and evaluating different scenarios to determine if any golf can be played on Thursday. He emphasizes the importance of playing golf when possible to stay on track for finishing the tournament by Sunday. Tackett also discusses the science behind determining when it’s too much rain to continue play, considering factors such as course drainage and flooding thresholds.
Each golf course has a different threshold for playable conditions, with some courses able to withstand more rain than others. Tackett mentions that the tees and greens are the key areas that will cause play to be suspended if they become unplayable. He also highlights the potential for severe weather later in the day, including the possibility of a tornado watch developing, adding to the challenges of managing the tournament.
While the tournament may face stoppages due to inclement weather, Tackett reassures that the tour is prepared to extend play to Monday if necessary. He discusses various scenarios for completing the tournament, including the option to play 36 holes on Saturday after making the cut in the evening. Tackett remains optimistic about finishing the tournament by Monday at the latest, with additional play on Tuesday only if more than half the field completes the fourth round on Monday.
Communication with players, staff, and volunteers is crucial in keeping everyone informed about the changing weather conditions and tournament schedules. Tackett describes the process of crafting messages to update stakeholders on the current plans and advises on how to proceed based on the weather forecasts. The organizers have also decided to exclude fans and volunteers from the grounds on Thursday for safety reasons.
Overall, managing the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby on the Wyndham Championship requires careful planning, communication, and flexibility to adapt to changing weather conditions. Tackett and the PGA Tour team are working diligently to ensure the safety of all involved while aiming to complete the tournament successfully by Monday.
