Heavy rains forced United States Golfing Association (USGA) officials to sound the horn and temporarily suspend first round U.S. Open action earlier Thursday at the Merion Golf Club.
Fans scrambled after USGA officials told spectators to seek shelter, with many heading to the souvenir tents the big, white souvenir tents,
"We were so excited but we really didn't even get to see anything," said Samantha Jaffee, holding $88 worth of Open items.
Weather.com is calling for more showers late in the afternoon, with an 80 percent chance of rain, with 1 to 2 inches of rain. Thunderstorms are expected for Friday's second round, with wind gusts of 10-15 mph.
"Safety is paramount so flexibility is employed," USGA spokesman Dan Hubbard said. "This means (the) clubhouse or other restricted areas may be made available, if needed."
Fans can expect to get their money back if there is less than four hours of U.S. Open play, though director Reg Jones said there is the possibility tickets could be used another day.
While USGA officials scramble to accommodate fans, one thing they will not change, no matter how ugly the weather, is sticking to their policy of not allowing preferred lies.
No matter how poor the weather gets, or how difficult the course conditions become, the USGA will continue its long-time policy of not allowing preferred lies. The rules of the game allow for such an exception - with players being to "lift, clean, and place" their ball as long as it is in the fairway. Such exemption allows for golfers to clean mud off the ball, which can alter trajectory.
"If it was so bad, then the obvious response to that consequence would be we probably wouldn't be playing,'' said Tom O'Toole Jr., USGA vice president and championship committee chairman. "Don't look for the championship committee to adopt the preferred lies local rule that is under the appendix [to the] Rules of Golf.''
Graeme McDowell, 2010 U.S. Open winner, is split on the issue, understanding where the USGA is coming from but wary of the fierce weather conditions pummeling the golf course.
"I get the fact that the USGA, the Masters and the R&A, they don't like giving the golf ball in hand," said McDowell. "But I think mud balls are a problem. I think they're unfair. I think golf is designed to be played from a closely mown fairway. If you hit it in that fairway, you deserve a great line and a great opportunity to attack the green surface. That's the reward you get for hitting the fairway. Mud balls affect you differently, and if it's a long shot it"
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Adam Scott - ranked one, two, and three, respectively, in the world, are scheduled to tee off 4:44 PM Thursday barring any further suspension of play.