The Old Course’s Wind Turns the AIG Women’s Open into a Slow-Motion Spectacle
The first round of the AIG Women’s Open at the Old Course in St. Andrews was a battle against the elements, with gale-force winds turning the course into a testing ground for both skill and patience. Players faced an array of challenges, including ball-striking difficulties, erratic putts, and frustrating delays, making for the slowest round in recent memory at the Open.
Key Takeaways:
- Brutal Winds: The wind, blowing at 30-40 mph and in a crosswind direction, made it virtually impossible for players to control their shots and even putts.
- Record-breaking Delays: The course’s layout, with multiple holes sharing fairways and greens, contributed to the unprecedented delays. Some groups waited for up to an hour on the 11th tee, creating a logjam that affected the entire playing field.
- Longer than Usual Round: The round stretched to 6 hours or longer for many players, with some even exceeding 6 hours and 15 minutes.
- Impact on Scoring: Despite the grueling conditions, several players managed to card scores in the 60s, proving the quality of play and showcasing the demanding nature of the Old Course.
H2: The Impact of the Wind
The wind was the main culprit behind the chaos that unfolded on Thursday. It wasn’t just strong; it was "crosswind," a notoriously difficult condition for golfers. Players described the struggle to hit the center of the club face, with even short putts becoming unpredictable. Pro golfer Lydia Ko expressed the challenge, saying, "It’s not only your ball-striking that you’re worried about but just even a three-, two-footer where you’re trying to hit the center of the clubface."
H3: The 11th Tee Nightmare
The 11th tee became the epicenter of the slow-play drama. At least four groups were backed up on the tee, with players waiting for an agonizing amount of time. One group, including Nicole Broch Estrup, faced a particularly frustrating situation when Broch Estrup’s putt kept rolling away in the wind. The situation lasted for at least 20 minutes, causing the group to fall behind.
H2: The Old Course Layout Adds to the Chaos
The Old Course is known for its unique layout, with several holes sharing greens and fairways. This interconnectivity created a bottleneck effect, especially on the 11th tee, where players couldn’t easily move forward due to groups simultaneously playing the 7th hole.
H3: The Looped Layout
The "Loop," which encompasses holes 7-11, is particularly problematic due to its shared greens and fairways. This design contributes to the already demanding conditions, making it difficult to move players quickly and efficiently while also creating spectator access challenges.
H2: The Impact on Spectators
Spectators, too, felt the effects of the wind and the slow pace of play. The wind made it difficult to navigate the course, while the delays meant longer wait times for their favorite players.
H3: A Unique Challenge
"This is the kind of chaos that can take place at major championships where the stakes are immense, the setup is difficult and the conditions are brutal," said Sean Zak, golf writer for Golf.com. "I’ve never seen slow play like this, not even at the Open Championship."
H2: A Lesson in Patience
The AIG Women’s Open first round showcased the resilience of golfers, who had to overcome the elements, the delays, and the pressure of competing on one of golf’s most challenging courses. As the tournament progresses, the wind is expected to calm, potentially creating opportunities for lower scores and a more balanced competition. But the memories of Thursday’s slow-motion spectacle will linger, a testament to the unpredictability of the game and its ability to serve up challenges that push even the best players to their limits.
