U.S. Senior Open delayed by rain

ST. LOUIS -- Not long after the second round of the U.S. Senior Open was postponed due to unplayable conditions, the USGA received a flood of criticism over its plan to complete the championship with 36 holes on Sunday.

A steady downpour that started Thursday night and continued into midday Friday dumped about 3 inches of rain on Bellerive Country Club, leaving the course swamped. USGA Championship Committee chairman Walter Driver said one hole became an "island" because of the rain, and another was almost completely under water.

The second round is set for Saturday, and those who make the cut are scheduled to play the final two rounds on Sunday, when the forecast calls for temperatures reaching 90.

"That is a decision that surprised me to be honest with you," said Leonard Thompson, who is four strokes behind first-round leader Peter Jacobsen, who opened with a 6-under 65.

"With the age of the guys, to ask these guys to walk 36 holes is a gutsy decision. You could have some guys go down out there. We've had some guys with heart attacks."

Several hosts and callers on St. Louis sports talk radio were also critical of the decision, especially in light of the age of the players.

Driver didn't back off the plans to complete the event Sunday.

"Nobody's happy with this turn of events, but we're going to try to complete this championship Sunday night," Driver said.

He said extending the tournament into Monday wasn't really an option. The tournament is using hundreds of volunteers, many of whom must return to work Monday. Players also have commitments to be elsewhere, he said.

"While we would prefer they not walk 36, it's a perfectly reasonable trade-off," Driver said. "They'll use their own good judgment."

Craig Stadler had a bogey-free first round and was second at 5 under. St. Louis area native Jay Haas birdied the final two holes to cap a 67. Seven players had 68s, including Gil Morgan, the leading money-winner on the Champions Tour. Tom Kite was among a group of 10 at 69.

Among those who might struggle to make the 36-hole walk is Jacobsen, still recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery. On Thursday he called his strong showing with an opening 65 a "bonus," saying he was just happy to be able to walk 18.

"I'm sure he's not looking forward to 36," Haas said.

The Senior Open isn't the first St. Louis-area golf events to be victimized by weather or tragedy.

In 2000, virtually no one saw the riveting final round of the now-defunct Boone Valley Classic.

More than five inches of rain washed out parking areas, forcing organizers to turn away fans. Only volunteers, relatives, media and a few spectators who walked to the course were allowed on the grounds. Larry Nelson won by holding off Tom Watson and David Graham. After one more year, the tournament was discontinued.

In September 2001, practice rounds had just begun as Bellerive was to host the World Golf Championship. Tiger Woods and other golfers were on the course when they heard the news that terrorists had attacked New York and Washington, D.C. The tournament was canceled. NOTES: Vinny Giles withdrew from the event, citing a sore shoulder. He opened with an83. Mark Pfeil withdrew after 10 holes due to a bad back.