Play Suspended by Dangerous Weather at Oakmont
Play at the 2008 US Open was suspended just after 4 p.m. ET when heavy rain and dangerous conditions hit Oakmont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, threatening the tradition of finishing on Father’s Day Sunday. The final pairing of Sam Burns and Adam Scott were about to tee off on the 301-yard, par-3 eighth hole when the horn sounded to suspend play. Sun is set to drop at 8:52 p.m. ET, and with 11 holes remaining for the leaders, there is real worry the tournament may finish on Monday.
Final Pairing Interrupted by Rain Delay
Storm clouds rolled in as Burns and Scott began their final round, with threatening weather building throughout their contest. Scott, the 44-year-old Australian and sentimental favorite after his 2013 Masters win, had started the round with a bogey on the first hole and recovered with a birdie on the fourth. Burns also struggled early, trading bogeys with Scott and falling behind briefly. The players navigated a back-and-forth battle until the skies opened up:
- The opening holes were challenging: Scott bogeyed the first and third but birdied the fourth; Burns matched with bogeys on the second and fifth.
- Scott’s missed birdie putt on the sixth and Burns’ par putt kept the margin tight.
- On the seventh, a brief rain spurt arrived; both made tidy pars despite the wet conditions.
- Approaching the eighth tee, heavy rain began, and Burns refrained from teeing off. Moments later, the horn signaled suspension.
Grounds Crew Battles Standing Water
After the 2008 US Open suspension, crews raced to push water off fairways and greens. Radar indicated rain could linger around Oakmont Country Club, and footage showed standing water in multiple spots. The grounds crew also worked to keep bunkers from flooding. Play resumed around 5:40 p.m. ET, with players returning to the driving range to warm up again, hoping to complete roughly two-and-a-half hours of play before sunset.
Fans Scramble for Shelter
Thousands of spectators were caught off guard as the downpour hit. Those without umbrellas or rain jackets scrambled for shelter. Fans trailing Burns and Scott faced the longest walks to covered areas, concessions, and entrances. The sudden suspension added tension to what had been a thrilling final pairing.
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Tense Battle Before the Delay
Before the weather intervened, the final pairing produced a gripping duel:
- Scott began with a bogey, then responded with a birdie, showcasing his experience in majors even as he showed brief frustration on the sixth when he left a birdie putt short and then missed the par putt.
- Burns matched Scott shot for shot, faltering on key holes but recovering when possible.
- Both players contended with Oakmont’s challenging layout, knowing that any slip could decide the US Open’s outcome.
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Weather Threatens Tradition of Sunday Finish
The US Open’s tradition of concluding on Father’s Day Sunday is at risk due to this delay. With sunset at 8:52 p.m. ET and 11 holes left, a Monday finish looms if conditions do not improve. Questions include:
- Will the remaining holes be completed before darkness?
- Can the grounds crew manage standing water in time?
- When will play resume fully, given radar shows rain may persist?
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Restart Efforts and Outlook
Play resumed around 5:40 p.m. ET as players warmed up again. Grounds crews remained active on the course, clearing water from fairways and greens. Officials hope to finish the final round on Sunday, but uncertainty remains:
- Crews continue to clear bunkers and push water off surfaces.
- Players must refocus after the interruption and the mental challenge of the delay.
- Spectators await updates on restart times and possible scheduling for a Monday completion.
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Impact on Leaders and Tournament Outcome
The delay interrupts a tight contest where every hole carries weight. Burns and Scott’s mental resilience will be tested by the pause and by potential fatigue if play extends into Monday. The weather’s impact on course conditions could alter strategy:
- Wet fairways may affect driving distances and shot selection.
- Softer greens can change putting approaches.
- Players must adapt quickly after resuming.
Looking Ahead: When Will Play Resume?
Officials monitor radar and course conditions to decide when to fully resume. With fading daylight and lingering showers, the US Open restart may stretch into Monday. Players, fans, and organizers face an anxious wait to see if tradition holds or if the tournament concludes after sunset.
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