Birmingham Blues: Tropical Storm To Put USGA's Lift-Clean Opposition To The Ultimate Test

Even after Tropical Storm Alberto passed through a Shoal Creek already wet and not in the best of shape by the USGA's admission, the USGA suggested Tuesday that the plan is to play the ball down despite mudballs galore.

From Randall Mell's GolfChannel.com report:

“I would say it is our intention to play 72 holes to identify our champion, and play the ball as it lies,” said John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s senior managing director of championships and governance.

Bodenhamer said his staff will continue to evaluate conditions on Wednesday, but it appears it will take extraordinary circumstances for the governing body to implement preferred lies on what is likely to be a soggy course.

Cristie Kerr minced no words.

“The course is unplayable,” Kerr said. “There’s going to be mud on every ball. It’s not fair. Tropical storms aren’t part of the game.”

Players took the Tropical Storm's passing in stride, as Beth Ann Nichols writes, opening up books or limiting their practice just two days out from the biggest event in the women's game.