The 2017 McKayson New Zealand Women's Open will finish on Monday after strong storms, including tropical-force winds, blew through Windross Farm Golf Course in Auckland as players were continuing their delay-plagued final round on Sunday.
The New Zealand Herald posted video of 54-hole leader Belen Mozo and her final-group playing competitors Brooke Henderson and Brittany Lincicome on a green as gale-force winds blew signage dangerously across the putting surface. After the players avoided the rolling debris, the players and caddies struggled to keep control of their umbrellas and the flagstick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcUmWtwHGU4
Mozo, properly upset by playing in those conditions, was seen mouthing and later tweeted that she feels "like sheep," sent out to play in poor weather that can be dangerous.
The LPGA has faced criticism in their last two tournaments for choosing to send players out in potentially dangerous weather. On Day 1 of The Evian Championship, the tour's fifth major of the season, in France, LPGA officials sent out players on schedule despite similar winds. Jessica Korda, who played 2-under golf before play was suspended and scores were surprisingly canceled, said she never felt more afraid on a golf course as she and playing partner Laura Davies crouched in place as 45 mph winds blew through.
The LPGA intends to complete the 72-hole event on Monday, with Henderson leading Mozo and Lincicome by four shots through six holes of their final round.
