PETE IACOBELLI, AP Sports Writer
AP Online
05-01-1999
LPGA Washed Out in Myrtle Beach
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (AP) -- Rain flooded Wachesaw East Golf Club for the second straight day, washing out another round of the LPGA City of Hope Myrtle Beach Classic.
The tournament will finish without a cut and with a final-round shootout Sunday, cutting the 72-hole event to 36 holes.
``I think this is the first time in 20 years I remember this happening,'' Muffin Spencer-Devlin said.
Actually, it last happened in 1981 at the Olympic Gold Classic in City of Industry, Calif. Sally Little carded a one-stroke victory after the final two rounds were washed away.
It seemed unlikely Myrtle Beach would share such a distinction. It's a golfer's dream with more than 100 courses and mild, sunny South Carolina temperatures.
But a storm front stalled over the area, dumping at least an inch of rain the past two days. That's on top of the 4 inches superintendent Dean Crouch said hit the course on Tuesday.
``We're disappointed in the rain, but the course is draining well and we should have a good finish,'' tournament director Rosemary Nash said.
So it's back to the mall or the movies for most players. Spencer-Devlin went to an IMAX theatre and rented the Oscar nominated film Elizabeth.
After a brisk workout, she's going to rent ``Stepmom'' today.
On Friday, Gail Graham and Michelle Estill saw ``Entrapment,'' with Sean Connery.
Graham, who opened with a 75, said the time off lets you clear away the bad play.
``If you kind of had a rough day, it gives you chance to regroup a little bit,'' she said.
Juli Inkster and Amy Benz dealt with frozen grips and blowing hats well enough Thursday to share the lead after 4-under 68s.
Players wore layers of windshirts, sweaters and rain pants to make it through the opening round. Graham dreaded dealing with that again.
``When you heard it rain all night and you're sort of anticipating not playing, you're kind of almost glad when you're not,'' Graham said.
The field of 142 -- Laura Baugh and Lenore Rittenhouse withdrew -- was reseeded for a typical Sunday finish.
There are 18 players within two shots of the lead and 55 at even-par 72 or better.
Karrie Webb, the season's top money-winner, led a group of six at 69. She is looking for her third straight Myrtle Beach title.
The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright 1999 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved
AP Online
05-01-1999
LPGA Washed Out in Myrtle Beach
MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (AP) -- Rain flooded Wachesaw East Golf Club for the second straight day, washing out another round of the LPGA City of Hope Myrtle Beach Classic.
The tournament will finish without a cut and with a final-round shootout Sunday, cutting the 72-hole event to 36 holes.
``I think this is the first time in 20 years I remember this happening,'' Muffin Spencer-Devlin said.
Actually, it last happened in 1981 at the Olympic Gold Classic in City of Industry, Calif. Sally Little carded a one-stroke victory after the final two rounds were washed away.
It seemed unlikely Myrtle Beach would share such a distinction. It's a golfer's dream with more than 100 courses and mild, sunny South Carolina temperatures.
But a storm front stalled over the area, dumping at least an inch of rain the past two days. That's on top of the 4 inches superintendent Dean Crouch said hit the course on Tuesday.
``We're disappointed in the rain, but the course is draining well and we should have a good finish,'' tournament director Rosemary Nash said.
So it's back to the mall or the movies for most players. Spencer-Devlin went to an IMAX theatre and rented the Oscar nominated film Elizabeth.
After a brisk workout, she's going to rent ``Stepmom'' today.
On Friday, Gail Graham and Michelle Estill saw ``Entrapment,'' with Sean Connery.
Graham, who opened with a 75, said the time off lets you clear away the bad play.
``If you kind of had a rough day, it gives you chance to regroup a little bit,'' she said.
Juli Inkster and Amy Benz dealt with frozen grips and blowing hats well enough Thursday to share the lead after 4-under 68s.
Players wore layers of windshirts, sweaters and rain pants to make it through the opening round. Graham dreaded dealing with that again.
``When you heard it rain all night and you're sort of anticipating not playing, you're kind of almost glad when you're not,'' Graham said.
The field of 142 -- Laura Baugh and Lenore Rittenhouse withdrew -- was reseeded for a typical Sunday finish.
There are 18 players within two shots of the lead and 55 at even-par 72 or better.
Karrie Webb, the season's top money-winner, led a group of six at 69. She is looking for her third straight Myrtle Beach title.
The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
Copyright 1999 The Associated Press All Rights Reserved
