Soggy AT&T Byron Nelson Slogs On


The recent monsoon-like conditions that have generated massive flooding in Texas have affected the AT&T Byron Nelson. A three-hour rain delay Friday morning caused not only major schedule changes to the $7.1 million PGA Tour event at TPC Four Seasons Resort in Irving but altered the actual layout and its overall par.

Particularly boggy was the former par-4 14th, which Tour officials converted into a 104-yard par-3, reducing the course's overall par on Friday to 69. "The 14th fairway is unplayable where we drive the ball," Slugger White, PGA Tour vice president of rules and competitions, told reporters. "We had no place to go. We'd be losing balls and the conditions rendered the hole unplayable."

Playing in the fourth group following the morning suspension, Gary Woodland aced the 14th, which usually measures over 400 yards and is one of the strongest holes on the course. In addition, the field was allowed to play preferred lies in the closely-mown areas throughout the course.

Already saturated, the venue received another 4.5 inches of rain that fell Thursday night. The 14th, which borders a canal, was crossed by a several-foot-high river emanating off the overflowing channel.

"We had a full case of beer out in the middle of the fairway that flooded out of the concession tent that was on the 11th tee," White said of the 14th. "It had to flow probably 130 yards - full case of beer, sitting out there this morning at 5:30 when we were out there looking at it. If you saw it, you'd understand (why the hole had to be shortened)."

Because of the delay, Tour officials confirmed the second round won't be completed until Saturday morning. Unfortunately, there's more rain expected overnight and a 60 percent chance of rain Saturday with the threat of late-afternoon thunderstorms as well.

As this story went to press, Tour rookie Jon Curran stood atop the leaderboard following a 6-under 63. After opening with a 67 Thursday when the TPC Four Seasons course played to its usual par of 70, the 28-year-old native of Massachusetts posted eight birdies and two bogeys in the soggy conditions to reach 9-under 130.

"We've had such bizarre weather out here," the recent Web.com graduate said during a TV interview. "There's nothing you can do about it."

As for his play, Curran noted, "I feel comfortable. Every week I learn something new. There's definitely some low spots throughout the year but I'm trying to stay confident."

One stroke back is Australia's Cameron Percy, who had a 64 Friday, while two back are Americans Nick Watney (65), Jerry Kelly (64) and Jonathan Randolph (63).

Following a first-round 62 that put him atop the leaderboard Thursday, Aussie Steven Bowditch was one of the late starters who will return early Saturday to complete his round.

Masters champion and Dallas native Jordan Spieth carded a 64 and heads into the third round at 133.

For updated scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.