High winds and rain resulted in the PGA Tour’s Genesis Open suspending second-round play at 12:18 p.m. Friday with more the half the field either on the Riviera Country Club course or not even starting yet.
A large tree branch fell near the 15th hole, adding to the decision that spectators could be in danger if play continued.
“It’s just unplayable and borderline unsafe with a tree branch going down,” first-round leader Sam Saunders said during the Golf Channel TV coverage. Saunders had a 1:45 p.m. tee time for his second round.
“I wasn’t looking forward to getting out there,” he said. “Yesterday I mentally didn’t plan on playing today and I’m glad I prepared for that. I’ll be ready to get off to a hot start tomorrow.”
Jhonattan Vegas came on to tie Saunders for the lead at 7-under par after shooting a blazing 31 in the morning and ending his day at the 15th hole when play was stopped.
While reports were for overnight rain and winds practically shutting down Friday’s play, the weather cooperated enough so that the 48 players who didn’t finish Thursday’s first round were able to do so. A good portion of the field turned around and started their second rounds through occasional rain and wind.
Officials said play would resume at 7 a.m. Saturday, but weather reports call for strong rain in the Santa Monica area through Saturday afternoon.
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