Herculean effort beaten as weather only winner
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OFFICIALS were finally forced to admit defeat as the weather emerged the only winner of a rain-soaked third day of the Barclays Scottish Open.
Despite the best efforts of all involved in trying to clear the fairways and greens that were submerged in water, play was suspended for the day just before 8pm - 30 minutes after the players had been told to return to the course.
"We tried very hard," said tournament director Mike Stewart. "We were desperate to get out and play and we knew we had this weather window this evening when it was going to be dry and bright when we could possibly have got some play in.
"Unfortunately, despite all the efforts of all the guys on the golf course, we just couldn't quite get the course playable."
Chief referee John Paramor conceded that play had been close to resuming early on in the evening, but ultimately the water lying on certain holes around the course meant it was just not possible.
"Everyone was out there pushing water and we were hopeful that we could have pushed it to a place where we could have played," he said.
"But unfortunately with the sheer volume, we were pushing water which was being replaced by other water from the sides of the hill.
"There were a couple of areas of main concern; the 10th fairway bunker, which is quite key to the playing of that hole, the 12th fairway and the front of the eighth green.
"I think we were close to resuming. We were hopeful and we were trying like crazy and certainly every one of the players wanted to play.
"It was on the edge. We tried, but unfortunately, we failed."
Mike Cantlay, chair of EventScotland, praised the swift action of all parties to try and beat the weather after it battered Castle Stuart in the early hours of Saturday morning.
"To experience 60mm of rain in five hours is an extraordinary weather event and the damage that I've witnessed this morning is significant," he said.
"Yet the team at Castle Stuart, the event organisers, Highland Council, the Police, and countless agencies and businesses have calmly implemented a suite of contingencies while title sponsors Barclays have been hugely supportive.
"A Herculean effort and I am sure the crowds of loyal supporters will return tomorrow to watch the final day."
