Heavy winds from Storm Amy forced the cancellation of all play at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Saturday, October 5, 2023. Scottish golfer Bob MacIntyre, who tied for the lead with South Africa’s Richard Sterne at 12 under par after two completed rounds, now faces uncertainty as officials navigate the impact of the severe weather on the tournament.
With conditions deteriorating, tournament officials suspended play entirely after several golfers had only begun their Saturday rounds. The decision creates a logistical challenge for the DP World Tour and event organizers, given the championship’s unique three-venue format across St Andrews, Kingsbarns, and Carnoustie.
Impact of Weather on Tournament Schedule
Following a weather disruption on Friday that halted the second round, players returned to the courses on Saturday morning to complete their play. The DP World Tour stated, “Round three got underway in the early afternoon, but no one managed to complete more than two holes before play was suspended.”
Officials have yet to confirm whether the tournament will be shortened to three rounds or extended into Monday. A yellow wind warning remains in effect for the regions of Fife and Angus until 12:00 PM (BST) on Sunday.
As a result of these developments, competitors will start their third rounds on Sunday with a two-tee start between 09:00 and 11:23. This adjustment aims to keep the tournament on track despite the interruptions caused by the storm.
MacIntyre’s Performance and Celebrity Presence
MacIntyre, who recently showcased his talent at the Ryder Cup in New York, expressed his frustration with the weather conditions. After achieving a remarkable second-round score of 66 at Kingsbarns, he described it as “almost a perfect round of golf.” He noted, “It’s difficult when it gets this windy. It’s hard to hit the ball good with the wind. So I was having to try and fight the wind on certain holes and wasn’t comfortable. But I made some beautiful shots. Yeah, putted solidly in the wind.”
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship attracts significant crowds, particularly due to its blend of professional golfers and celebrity participants. This year, notable figures such as Sir Andy Murray and actor Michael Douglas have added to the excitement for spectators.
MacIntyre is not alone in the competition. Fellow Scotsman Scott Jamieson is among several golfers just two shots behind the leaders, adding to the tension as the tournament heads into its final rounds.
As the weekend approaches, the focus remains on the resilience of the players and the ability of the organizers to adapt to the challenging weather conditions. The outcome of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship now hinges on the recovery from Storm Amy and the determination of those competing on the course.