GCRO shortened to 36 holes

By Ryan Pleggenkuhle

The Gazette

MARION - Rainy weather shortened the Greater Cedar Rapids Open from 54 to 36 holes at Hunters Ridge Golf Course.

Friday's rain-shortened first round was scheduled to resume at 7 a.m. Saturday, but more wet weather put that start on hold. With available hours dwindling, the decision was made to shorten the event.

Tee times scheduled for Saturday morning were delayed to 1 p.m. Saturday's afternoon tee times were moved to 7 a.m. Sunday.

According to tournament operation director Mark Davis of Hunters Ridge and GCRO co-founder Jim McPartland, this was the first time the tournament has been shortened. They said players had mixed reactions to the decision.

“There's a feeling from some players that they aren't getting the full chance to compete with not getting to play the 54,” Davis said. “But, obviously, weather is the main factor. With ... the opinions we were getting, we thought we were doing the right thing.”

“We thought this approach was safest, fairest and something we could manage with our staff and volunteers,” McPartland added.

Rich Struve was tracking the weather for tournament officials Saturday morning.

“There was lightning within six miles of here,” he said. “Between the radar images and the strikes that we were seeing on the screen, you just don't put somebody out there.”

The consensus from players who finished Saturday was one of understanding.

“It was a little disappointing,” said Jordan Weber of Urbandale, who shot a 3-over 75. “We always want to play 54 holes if we can. But you have to cut them a break with the weather the way it was.”

“Thirty-six holes is still better than 18, and this morning it looked like that's all we might get,” said Chris Thompson of Lawrence, Kan. Thompson shot a 67 Saturday and is 11 under for the tournament.

“I think they handled it the best they could. I think everybody will go away happy, hopefully,” said J.J. Beckstrom of Bonita Spring, Fla., who shot an even-par 72.

Players were allowed to clean and place the ball on the wet grounds.

Davis said GCRO officials may be a little more cautious because of something that occurred about three years ago.

“We had a fellow assistant who stepped out of the pavilion at Airport National and was struck by lightning. He (Mike Torner of Cedar Rapids) was a person I played golf with. So we tend to err on the safe side,” Davis said.

Davis said if the weather cooperates, the trophy and check presentation should be about 2:30 p.m. Sunday

.