The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship faced an abrupt halt on Saturday, October 5, 2023, due to severe weather conditions caused by Storm Amy. Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre, who recently celebrated his Ryder Cup victory, was leading the tournament alongside South Africa’s Richard Sterne at 12 under par after two rounds.
Play was suspended after only a few competitors managed to begin their third rounds before high winds forced tournament officials to cancel all activities for the day. This decision presents a logistical challenge for the DP World Tour and event organizers, particularly given the unique three-venue format of the championship, which includes courses at St Andrews, Kingsbarns, and Carnoustie.
Following Friday’s weather-related suspension of the second round, players had returned Saturday morning to complete their remaining holes. Although the third round commenced in the afternoon, no player completed more than two holes before the decision was made to suspend play entirely. A statement from the DP World Tour clarified that the third round is now scheduled to start on Sunday, October 6, with tee times set between 09:00 and 11:23.
The ongoing weather conditions have raised questions about the tournament’s format, including whether it will be shortened to three rounds or extend into Monday. A yellow wind warning is in effect for the Fife and Angus regions until 12:00 (BST) on Sunday.
This year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has attracted significant crowds, partly due to the presence of celebrity participants such as tennis star Sir Andy Murray and Hollywood actor Michael Douglas. MacIntyre, who had a remarkable second-round score of 66 at Kingsbarns, described his performance as “almost a perfect round of golf.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by the windy conditions, stating, “It’s difficult when it gets this windy. It’s hard to hit the ball good with the wind.”
MacIntyre’s success comes on the heels of a triumphant week for European golfers at the Ryder Cup, held at Bethpage Black. The Scottish player expressed confidence despite the weather, noting, “I had to try and fight the wind on certain holes and wasn’t comfortable. But I made some beautiful shots and putted solidly in the wind.”
Alongside MacIntyre, fellow Scotsman Scott Jamieson is also in contention, positioned just two strokes behind the leader. As the tournament resumes, the focus will remain on how competitors adapt to the unpredictable weather while vying for the prestigious title.
