EDISON, August 26, 2011 (AFP) - Concern regarding potential damage from approaching Hurricane Irene prompted US PGA Tour officials on Friday to trim The Barclays, the first playoff event of the series, from 72 to 54 holes.
Tournament officials feared nearly a foot of rain could fall upon Plainfield Country Club on Sunday when the storm is expected to reach the metropolitan New York area, possibly making playing conditions impossible for several days.
The storm's fury through the Caribbean also had tournament volunteers wanting to evacuate and make plans to keep their families safe.
Players will complete the second round on Friday and begin the third round early Saturday morning with hopes of completing 54 holes before the storm strikes.
But if the third round is not completed, scores will revert to how they stood after 36 holes.
In terms of advancing the top 100 players into next week's playoff event near Boston, full points will be awarded to determine the qualifiers for the second round of the season-ending playoffs.