Not so tough at the top

After two superb rounds at the Open Louis Oosthuizen will be sitting very comfortably as play is suspended due to strong winds.

2010 Open Championship golf

My prediction that the weather will improve as the day goes on has proved completely wrong. The rain has disappeared but has been replaced by winds so strong that play has been suspended. This is frustrating news for anyone yet to complete their second round but Louis Oosthuizen will be delighted. After two excellent rounds of 65 and 67 the South African holds a two shot lead and can sit back and watch the rest of the field struggle. When round two does restart it will be far from easy on the Old Course. Routines will be disrupted and it is extremely unlikely that round two will be finished today.   There were clearly a lot of frustrated players as the wind picked up on the links this afternoon. Understandably the quality of golf went severely downhill as we watched players complete the 16th and tee off on the 17th. The 17th is particularly difficult today as players fight the right to left wind but without wanting to take off too much of the corner over the Old Course hotel. The afternoon promises to test the patience of players and spectators alike. When play does resume the Old Course will provide a very different challenge compared to yesterday and the calm conditions that the players enjoyed.  

Paul joined Golf Monthly in 2006 in a junior role and has since worked as senior staff writer and now as technical editor. He writes equipment and instruction content and tests the vast majority of golf clubs that are introduced every year.