Lift And Clean Coming? Tropical Storm On Top Of Already Wet, Weakened Turf Doesn't Bode Well For U.S. Women's Open

Randall Mell paints a pretty bleak picture for course conditions before the heart of a tropical storm hits 2018 U.S. Women's Open host Shoal Creek. The USGA may have to break precedent and play lift, clean and place, a move possibly telegraphed by a rare pre-tournament apology for already so-so turf conditions. A rough spring was cited as the reasoning. 

Players are enjoying the Nicklaus design but saying the course was already unable to take on much more water before the pre-hurricane season storm strikes.

Kerr played 18 holes in a practice round Monday in mist and light rain. The course was soggy, with close to 3 inches of rain having fallen over the last week. There is more rain forecast for late Monday and early Tuesday, with Alberto’s passing. The USGA’s meteorologist said anywhere from 1 to 3 inches could fall during the storm.

“Frankly, I don’t think this golf course can take much more water,” Kerr said.