Storms Slam Scotland: Women’s Scottish Open Halted by Brutal Weather, Players Brace for Saturday Chaos… read more…
Dundonald Links, Scotland – August 2, 2025
What began as a hopeful second round of the Women’s Scottish Open quickly descended into chaos on Friday as brutal winds and heavy rain forced tournament officials to suspend play midway through the day. With gusts reaching over 40 miles per hour and horizontal sheets of rain sweeping across Dundonald Links, conditions became unplayable and even dangerous for competitors.
“The ball wouldn’t sit still on the greens. It was like trying to putt on a trampoline in a hurricane,” said Georgia Hall, who was on the 12th hole when play was halted.
The decision to suspend play came just before 2:00 p.m. local time, after multiple groups reported balls moving on the greens and caddies struggling to maintain umbrellas against the gale.
🌪️ Winds of Change: Weather Dominates Day 2
Scotland is no stranger to fickle weather, but even by local standards, Friday’s storms were extreme. Early morning tee times had a chance to post scores, but by mid-morning, the wind was howling and rain was soaking players to the bone.
Despite the conditions, Japan’s Ayaka Furue managed to climb to the top of the leaderboard with a gutsy even-par round through 11 holes. At -6 overall, she holds a narrow lead over a group that includes Nelly Korda (-5), Charley Hull (-4), and Céline Boutier (-4) — all of whom had their rounds interrupted.
“It’s just links golf, but today went beyond that,” Boutier said. “This was survival mode.”
Tournament organizers said they will resume play early Saturday morning, with players required to complete Round 2 before re-pairing and starting Round 3 later in the day.
⛳ Nelly Korda in the Hunt
World No. 1 Nelly Korda had just birdied the par-5 7th when the horn blew to stop play. She looked dialed in early, hitting 7 of her first 8 greens in regulation, and had moved within a shot of the lead before the weather took over.
Despite the delay, Korda remained positive.
“We’ve dealt with worse — it’s Scotland,” she said with a grin. “I’ll reset tonight and be ready for a long day tomorrow.”
Korda is looking for her sixth win of the season, and a strong showing this weekend would solidify her as the top favorite heading into next week’s AIG Women’s Open.
🧥 Local Stars Hang Tough
Scotland’s own Gemma Dryburgh braved the elements like a true Highlander. She was drenched from head to toe but still managed to go 1-under through 9 holes, hitting two stunning long irons into the wind that brought cheers from the hardy locals.
“I couldn’t feel my fingers on the 7th tee,” she said. “But this is what we grow up with. You put on your wet gear and get on with it.”
Dryburgh sits at -2, well within striking distance.
📋 Round 2 Status: Where Things Stand
At the time of suspension, only 32 of 144 players had completed their second rounds. The leaderboard is in flux, but here are the unofficial top positions:
| Position | Player | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayaka Furue | -6* |
| T2 | Nelly Korda | -5* |
| T2 | Charley Hull | -4* |
| T2 | Céline Boutier | -4* |
| T5 | Atthaya Thitikul | -3* |
| T5 | Linn Grant | -3* |
(* denotes players with incomplete rounds)
Officials confirmed that players will resume from where they left off at 6:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, weather permitting.
🗓️ Saturday Marathon Awaits
Saturday could be one of the longest and most physically demanding days in recent LPGA history. With dozens of players needing to finish Round 2 before starting Round 3, it’s likely that some will be on the course for up to 12 hours, depending on weather and pace of play.
Organizers are considering using split tees and groups of three to accelerate the process, though no official decision has been announced.
“We’ve got a plan, and player safety is the priority,” said tournament director Fiona Stewart. “If we can get 36 holes done by sundown tomorrow, we’re in great shape.”
🧊 Mental Game in Focus
With so much uncertainty and the elements in control, mental toughness is becoming the defining factor this week.
Several players, including major winner Brooke Henderson, spoke about the challenge of staying sharp when delays, rain gear, and cold fingers are all in play.
“You can’t win a tournament on Friday,” Henderson said, “but you can definitely lose it. The ones who stay patient will rise.”
🎯 The AIG Women’s Open Looms
This event serves as a crucial warm-up for next week’s AIG Women’s Open at St Andrews, and players are using it to fine-tune their games. Many top contenders — including Korda, Boutier, and Hull — are trying to build momentum before the final major of the season.
If nothing else, this weather-hit Scottish Open is giving them a realistic preview of what’s likely to come at the Old Course: wind, rain, and resilience.
🏁 Final Word
As fans pack their waterproofs and players brace for an ultra-long Saturday, one thing is certain — the 2025 Women’s Scottish Open has already delivered drama. And if the storms clear in time, it may just deliver one of the most memorable finishes of the year.
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