The looming Hurricane Isaias is completely disrupting the schedule of the Constellation Furyk & Friends in Florida and forcing the PGA Tour Champions to take drastic action: Sunday's final round will be moved up by three and a half hours! Instead of the planned tee time at 11:30 AM ET (5:30 PM CEST), play will now begin at 8 AM ET (2 PM CEST) on both sides of the Hammock Beach Ocean Course to get ahead of the storm. Gates will open as early as 7:30 AM ET (1:30 PM CEST).
This is a real shocker for the golfers, who suddenly have to adjust to a completely different rhythm. The tournament is scheduled as a 54-hole event, and officials are determined to ensure that the final round is completed before the worst weather hits.
Battle Against the Elements
The conditions on the course were already challenging. After massive rainfall in recent days, the course was saturated, which is why 'Lift, Clean and Place' was in effect on the fairways. Additionally, the tee markers were moved forward to shorten the course – a clear sign that no one was holding back here. It's not just about winning, but also about outsmarting the weather.
Who Will Take the Title?
Australia's Mathew Goggin holds a strong one-shot lead after setting a tournament record with a stunning 10-under-par round (62 strokes). Rod Pampling is lurking right behind, while Vaught Taylor and Michael Wright are also in contention, three shots back, waiting for their opportunity. Goggin, who only played his way into the field via an Open Qualifier, is on the verge of claiming his first PGA Tour Champions title – a true golf fairy tale could be unfolding here.
