The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, taking place this week at Bethpage Black (New York), kicks off with a threat from the sky and unstable weather that could affect the competition’s progress. According to the official forecast from the organisers, rain is expected to start on Tuesday afternoon and there will be no dry days.
It’s early and the weather could still change, but at the moment, Friday, the first day of competition, is marked as the most challenging day as, in addition to rain, storms are expected to make an appearance. Thursday, the day before the start, will also be wet with up to 13 millimetres of rain, along with east winds with gusts that could reach 40 km/h. Saturday is also expected to be rainy, but with less rain and lower wind intensity, although gusts could still reach 25 kilometres per hour.
Sunday, the decisive day, arrives with a more favourable outlook: although some isolated showers are expected in the morning, the trend will be towards improvement as the day progresses, with a wind change to a north-northeast component.
In terms of play, the greens are expected to be softer than usual and more receptive. Although we all know how the USGA can be when it comes to restoring the speed of the greens, with this forecast in hand, it will be difficult to keep them at a lightning-fast speed. Additionally, in wet and windy conditions, the course can become even longer. The 7th hole, a par four of 479 metres, could be a real challenge.
As mentioned, Bethpage Black will not only be a challenge due to its toughness and atmosphere but also because of weather that promises to add even more tension and drama to a Ryder Cup that is already anticipated to be unforgettable.
