Officials Adjust Tee Times

In response to forecasts of severe weather, officials have moved up the final round tee times at THE PLAYERS Championship. Players will now tee off in threesomes from Nos. 1 and 10 between 8 and 10:01 a.m. ET, with hopes of completing the tournament before adverse weather conditions set in later in the day.

Severe Weather Forecast

A powerful cold front is expected to sweep through Northeast Florida by Sunday afternoon, potentially bringing intense storms and high winds. According to Stephen Cox, the vice president of rules and tournament administration, the storms could hit between 2 and 4 p.m., creating a sense of urgency for the tournament.

Impact of Recent Weather

These storms have already caused significant destruction across central and southeastern U.S. states, resulting in flash flooding and even tornadoes. Tragically, at least 20 fatalities have been reported in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma as a result of the recent weather, and hundreds of thousands are facing power outages.

Aiming for Timely Finish

The decision to adjust the tee times aims to prevent a repeat of a Monday finish, something that hasn't occurred at THE PLAYERS in three years. With sunset expected shortly after 7:30 p.m. local time on Sunday, organizers are attempting to provide enough time to accommodate any delays.

Maintaining Tournament Flow

“Our top priority is to maintain a fluid and uninterrupted tournament,” said Cox. “Ideally, we’d prefer to have one tee with twosomes, but given the circumstances, we are taking a balanced approach to ensure a timely finish.”

Adverse Conditions for Golfers

Golfers will face strong wind gusts right from the outset on Sunday morning, due to conditions that picked up over Saturday afternoon. Notably, the Rules Committee has altered the greens' speed ahead of the final round to maintain playing conditions amidst the windy forecast.

Anticipation from Fans

Fans are eagerly watching how the adjusted tee times affect the competition, especially as players vied for a coveted spot in this prestigious tournament. The stakes have never been higher, and with Mother Nature looming, it will be a thrilling conclusion to THE PLAYERS Championship. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on the unfolding situation!