15 Times the Weather Totally Ruined a Major PGA Tournament
From torrential downpours to fierce winds, these weather-related disruptions turned major PGA tournaments into unforgettable tests of skill and perseverance, leaving a lasting mark on the sport’s history.
- Alyana Aguja
- 5 min read
Severe weather conditions have regularly been a deciding factor in determining the fate of prominent PGA events, transforming what would otherwise be straightforward rounds into rollercoaster challenges. Right from deluges of rain to blustery gusts, golfers have had to work their way through adverse weather, sometimes with drastic consequences including major delays or disputed outcomes. Not only do these disruptions challenge the skill of a player, but also his or her perseverance, transforming every tournament into a thrilling drama of tactics, restraint, and versatility.
1. 2019 PGA Championship (Bethpage Black)
Image from PGA.com
Heavy rain and winds delayed the 2019 PGA Championship. The downpour turned the rough into almost impossible swamp conditions, making it difficult for players to maintain their balance. By Friday, the schedule was already one day behind, and thunderstorms kept causing more delays.
2. 2018 U.S. Open (Shinnecock Hills)
Image from TNT Sports
Shinnecock Hills gained notoriety in the 2018 U.S. Open because of excessive heat and drying, rendering the greens unplayable. By the second round, the greens were so crispy that outrageous bounces baffled many players, creating complaints and even the suspension of play. It was an event of spectacle and controversy, with players like Phil Mickelson taking a bizarre shot in an effort to salvage par.
3. 2001 Masters Tournament
Image from Masters Tournament
The 2001 Masters was famously delayed by almost a full day because of repeated rain showers. As Augusta National’s soft fairways and slick greens became increasingly unpredictable, golfers had a hard time getting around the course. Rain delays took longer than two days, but the tournament was completed on time, and Tiger Woods recorded a comprehensive victory.
4. 2003 U.S. Open (Oakland Hills)
Image from The Sporting Gallery
A surprise thunderstorm interrupted play at the 2003 U.S. Open, causing confusion as lightning and rain drove players from the course. The rain made it hard for players to make clean shots, and the course grew more soggy by the minute. Even with these difficulties, Jim Furyk emerged victorious, although the weather greatly affected the strategy and play.
5. 2015 British Open (St. Andrews)
Image from The New York Times
St. Andrews, usually famous for its windy weather, was struck by severe winds during the 2015 British Open, and a delay was necessary. Gusts were as high as 40 miles per hour, and the links course was treacherous and unpredictable. The delays did not deter the conditions from allowing Zach Johnson to win the title after a dramatic four-hole playoff.
6. 1996 U.S. Open (Oakmont)
Image from Sky Sports
A cloudburst flooded Oakmont during the 1996 U.S. Open, reducing the course to a wet, heavy cludge. The rain built up mud on golf balls, making it difficult to keep them in line. Steve Jones won nevertheless, but the volatile weather adversely impacted several players.
7. 2016 Masters Tournament
Image from Masters Golf Tournament
The 2016 Masters witnessed an unprecedented weather pattern with harsh thunderstorms and heavy rain imposing significant delays. With the situation changing by the minute, the players grappled with ever-changing course conditions. Despite the setbacks, Danny Willett won the tournament, even though the weather had definitely lent an extra measure of challenge.
8. 2012 U.S. Open (The Olympic Club)
Image from SB Nation Los Angeles
The 2012 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club featured a dramatic weather shift, as fog and cooler temperatures resulted in unusually difficult conditions. Fog delayed the tournament start and made it more difficult for players to measure their distance. Jim Furyk and others struggled to get used to the fluctuating weather, but Webb Simpson prevailed even in the interruption.
9. 1995 PGA Championship (Bel Air Country Club)
Image from Wikipedia
The 1995 PGA Championship was plagued by a brutal heatwave in Southern California, which made playing extremely uncomfortable. The players had to struggle with not just the heat but with a thick fog that reduced visibility and air quality. It resulted in stoppages, and although the weather conditions weren’t tempestuous, they were sufficient to change the play rhythm.
10. 1986 U.S. Open (Shinnecock Hills)
Image from The Palm Beach Post
Shinnecock Hills witnessed a rare phenomenon in the 1986 U.S. Open: thick fog and mist that drastically lowered visibility. This created unstable conditions as players struggled with unpredictable winds and soggy fairways. Despite all this, Raymond Floyd sealed the win with a solid finish.
11. 2007 British Open (Carnoustie)
Image from Golf Digest
The 2007 British Open at Carnoustie experienced rain and high winds, producing conditions that made many players struggle. The incessant weather conditions made it one of the toughest Opens in recent history, with high scores ruling the leaderboard. Despite the weather, Padraig Harrington won a nail-biting playoff.
12. 2014 U.S. Open (Pinehurst No. 2)
Image from The New York Times
Heavy rain in the run-up to the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 impacted the course, leaving it wet and slow. While conditions were far from catastrophic, the dampness softened the fairways and greens, diminishing the course’s classic test. Martin Kaymer’s emphatic performance was a relief against abnormal weather conditions.
13. 1997 PGA Championship (Winged Foot)
Image from UPI
Heavy rain showers turned the 1997 PGA Championship at Winged Foot into a true test of patience. Rain flooded sections of the fairways and green complexes throughout, requiring players to modify their game plan. The event went on despite the weather, but it was a grind, with players noting the slow pace of play from water-logged conditions.
14. 2002 U.S. Open (Bethpage Black)
Image from USGA
Bethpage Black has reputably hard conditions, but in 2002, the U.S. Open was specifically plagued by thunderstorms and rain. The rain permeated the course, creating threats on virtually every hole and leading to several delays. Tiger Woods, favored to win, was struggling but prevailed despite the unfavorable weather.
15. 2010 British Open (St. Andrews)
Image from LiveAbout
The 2010 British Open held at St. Andrews was marked by sudden rain showers and strong winds. The demanding weather made driving the fairways and playing the greens hard, with most of the players decrying the unpredictable Scottish weather. Louis Oosthuizen won the tournament amid the turbulent weather, testifying to his ability to adapt to the conditions.