Lightning Halts Zurich Classic, Threatens Weekend Play
NEW ORLEANS (April 26, 2025) — The Zurich Classic of New Orleans was suspended Saturday due to lightning in the area, the latest weather-related disruption to plague the 2025 PGA Tour season. Play was halted at 2:15 p.m. CT, leaving players and fans in a holding pattern as storms lingered.
Novak and Griffin Lead as Weather Suspends Zurich Classic Round
Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin held the lead at 22-under when play was suspended, narrowly ahead of six teams tied at 21-under. Twenty teams were within three shots of the lead, setting the stage for a possibly exciting finish, weather permitting.
McIlroy Faces Crucial Putt Before Zurich Classic Suspension
Defending champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry were lurking at 20-under through 17 holes. McIlroy had a 30-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole when the horn sounded, leaving their momentum in limbo.
Zurich Classic Resumes After weather Delay
The PGA Tour announced that play would resume at 3:45 p.m. CT, with practice facilities reopening at 3:15 p.m. CT. However,the forecast for the remainder of the tournament remains uncertain.
Unsettled Weather Forecast Casts Doubt on Zurich Classic Finish
Partly cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected for both Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-80s on Saturday, with light winds shifting southeasterly in the afternoon. Sunday’s forecast calls for patchy fog in the morning, clearing by 9 a.m. CT, followed by partly cloudy skies and light southeasterly winds.
2025 PGA Tour Season Marred by Weather Disruptions
The suspension at the Zurich Classic is the latest in a series of weather-related setbacks this season. The final round of the Players Championship was delayed four hours due to lightning, and practice rounds at the Masters also faced weather disruptions. These interruptions have consistently challenged players and organizers alike.
PGA Tour Faces Fan Ire Over Weather Delays and Slow Play
The PGA Tour is under fire from fans who are increasingly frustrated with weather-related suspensions and the slow pace of play that has plagued numerous tournaments this season. Social media is abuzz with criticism, as fans question the necessity of some weather delays and lament rounds stretching well beyond five hours.
Fan Fury erupts Over Perceived Unneeded Suspensions
Recent tournaments, including the masters, have seen practice rounds and play suspended due to rain and the threat of thunderstorms.While the tour cites safety concerns, many fans believe the conditions do not warrant halting play, leading to accusations of overcaution.
One fan expressed frustration by posting,“You guys are such a f**king embarrassment lol.” Another sarcastically commented, “Due to raindrops,” implying the suspension was unwarranted.
Weather woes Lead to Schedule Disruptions and Fan Dissatisfaction
Short-lived delays due to weather are common in golf, especially during spring and summer, as thunderstorms, heavy rain, and fog can quickly alter conditions. However, when delays appear brief or the weather improves rapidly, fan patience wears thin. Some fans have pointed out that ideal conditions always seem necessary for the tour to proceed.
Slow Play Adds to PGA Tour’s Problems
Adding fuel to the fire, the pace of play has become a notable concern for both fans and players. Numerous rounds this season have exceeded five hours, prompting scrutiny of the PGA Tour’s pace regulations. While the tour has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly taking steps to address it, the combination of slow play and perceived unnecessary weather delays has created a perfect storm of fan dissatisfaction.
How does the Zurich Classic scoring format work?
Zurich Classic and PGA Tour Weather Woes: A Q&A
The 2025 Zurich Classic of New Orleans was disrupted by lightning, causing delays and stirring up fan frustration. Let’s delve into the details and address some common questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the Zurich Classic suspended?
A: Play was halted on saturday, April 26, 2025, due too lightning in the area. This is part of a trend of weather-related disruptions plaguing the 2025 PGA Tour season.
Q: Who was leading when play was suspended?
A: Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin were leading at 22-under when play was suspended. They were narrowly ahead of six teams tied at 21-under.
Q: What were the weather conditions like, and what’s the forecast?
A: The forecast for the weekend included partly cloudy skies and isolated showers. Temperatures were expected to reach the mid-80s on Saturday. Sunday’s forecast called for patchy fog in the morning, clearing by 9 a.m. CT, followed by partly cloudy skies and light southeasterly winds.
Q: when did play resume?
A: play resumed at 3:45 p.m. CT on the same day, April 26, 2025.
Q: Why are fans frustrated with the PGA Tour?
A: Fans are increasingly frustrated with weather-related suspensions and the slow pace of play. Many feel that delays are needless and that rounds are taking too long.
Q: What is the prize money for the Zurich Classic?
A: The total purse for the 2025 Zurich Classic is $9.2 million [[1](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/golf/pga/2025/04/27/zurich-classic-purse-payout/83314565007/)]
Q: What other events have faced weather disruptions this season?
A: The final round of the Players Championship was delayed four hours due to lightning, and practice rounds at the Masters also faced weather disruptions.
Q: What is the PGA Tour doing about slow play?
A: The PGA Tour has acknowledged the issue and is reportedly taking steps to address the slow pace of play. Specific details on the steps are not available in the provided articles.
The Zurich Classic’s weather issues highlight the challenges faced by the PGA Tour this season. Stay tuned to see how these factors impact the rest of the tournament and the overall season.
