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Castie Stuart - The Scottish Open has been cut to 54 holes for the first time in its history after more heavy rain on Saturday played havoc with the course and schedule.
The Inverness region had more rain very early Saturday morning, causing local flooding including portions of the main A9 motorway that cuts through the northern Scottish city.
This latest downpour further postponed the restart to the already delayed second round in the event being played on the Castle Stuart course just to the east of Inverness.
Seventy-eight players, among them the world's top two ranked players in Luke Donald and Lee Westwood were among those affected when officials called an early halt to play on Friday night.
However with the further downpour European Tour officials decided to restart the second round, and again weather permitting, at 1400 GMT.
Tournament director Mike Stewart said: "We did set an initial possible restarting time of 14:00 but based on the information we got from the golf course and when we think we could be playable, we have pushed back this time to 15:00.
"Our intentions now are to complete, or try to complete, the second round this afternoon and then to play the third round tomorrow.
"So we have decided in the best interests of the event to reduce the tournament to a 54-hole tournament.
"We will endeavour to complete the second round today and then arrange for a one-tee start to play the third round on Sunday."
And Stewart indicated that, if necessary, the third round will proceed into Monday, if only to decide the new champion.
Stewart is conscious of the concerns of some 52 players competing in Scotland who will also be contesting British Open championship at Royal St. George's, which starts on Thursday.
However a number of those including recent British Amateur champion, Bryden MacPherson of Australia, have already left Inverness knowing they will not make the expected four-under par cut.
Conditions of the course and surrounds were so poor spectators were stopped from entering the course while two of the three car parks were closed.
There was severe flooding in many areas on course while greens staff had to deal with landslides on the first and 12th fairways.
Also staff have had to rebuild some footpaths, and spectators will not be allowed on the first, second, 10th, 11th and 12th holes.
Stewart confirmed reports that two spectators suffered leg injuries during the later stages of Friday's play.
"We are taking every step that we can to ensure that all of the pathways are in good conditions as they can be," added Stewart.
"But it is the nature of going to a golf tournament that there will be slopes and there will be slippery ground."
Three players - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and the Scottish pair of Peter Whiteford and Scott Jamieson - head the field on 11-under par.
Of those who still have to complete their second round, Sweden's Peter Hanson, England's Barry Lane and Welshman Jamie Donaldson are the best placed at eight under par.
The Inverness region had more rain very early Saturday morning, causing local flooding including portions of the main A9 motorway that cuts through the northern Scottish city.
This latest downpour further postponed the restart to the already delayed second round in the event being played on the Castle Stuart course just to the east of Inverness.
Seventy-eight players, among them the world's top two ranked players in Luke Donald and Lee Westwood were among those affected when officials called an early halt to play on Friday night.
However with the further downpour European Tour officials decided to restart the second round, and again weather permitting, at 1400 GMT.
Tournament director Mike Stewart said: "We did set an initial possible restarting time of 14:00 but based on the information we got from the golf course and when we think we could be playable, we have pushed back this time to 15:00.
"Our intentions now are to complete, or try to complete, the second round this afternoon and then to play the third round tomorrow.
"So we have decided in the best interests of the event to reduce the tournament to a 54-hole tournament.
"We will endeavour to complete the second round today and then arrange for a one-tee start to play the third round on Sunday."
And Stewart indicated that, if necessary, the third round will proceed into Monday, if only to decide the new champion.
Stewart is conscious of the concerns of some 52 players competing in Scotland who will also be contesting British Open championship at Royal St. George's, which starts on Thursday.
However a number of those including recent British Amateur champion, Bryden MacPherson of Australia, have already left Inverness knowing they will not make the expected four-under par cut.
Conditions of the course and surrounds were so poor spectators were stopped from entering the course while two of the three car parks were closed.
There was severe flooding in many areas on course while greens staff had to deal with landslides on the first and 12th fairways.
Also staff have had to rebuild some footpaths, and spectators will not be allowed on the first, second, 10th, 11th and 12th holes.
Stewart confirmed reports that two spectators suffered leg injuries during the later stages of Friday's play.
"We are taking every step that we can to ensure that all of the pathways are in good conditions as they can be," added Stewart.
"But it is the nature of going to a golf tournament that there will be slopes and there will be slippery ground."
Three players - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and the Scottish pair of Peter Whiteford and Scott Jamieson - head the field on 11-under par.
Of those who still have to complete their second round, Sweden's Peter Hanson, England's Barry Lane and Welshman Jamie Donaldson are the best placed at eight under par.
