Persistent fog at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian caused significant disruptions to the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open on Saturday, with play halted twice and 22 players left on the course. The delays meant that the leading groups did not commence their rounds until after 6 p.m. local time.
Matt Fitzpatrick, who holds a share of the lead, and Rory McIlroy, who has struggled, were among those caught by the second suspension of play at 7:55 p.m. Fitzpatrick had started strongly, reaching 12 under par with four birdies in his first seven holes before a bogey on the eighth, his final hole of the day. He is now tied with Michael Thorbjornsen.
Play was first suspended at 10:45 a.m. for nearly two-and-a-half hours due to the fog. The conditions worsened later in the day, leading to the second stoppage.
American golfer Johnny Keefer set the clubhouse target at 10 under par after recording a third-round 64. Defending champion Chris Gotterup, U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark, and England's Jordan Smith are also at 10 under par, having not yet completed 54 holes. Scotland's Bob MacIntyre is one shot further back.
Play is scheduled to resume at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.