The Tribune

Flooding over one-third of the course has forced tournament and LPGA officials to trim the Ocean Club Golf Course layout to 12 holes for Friday with hope of playing a few more holes on Saturday and Sunday. The course routing will now begin at what was hole 10 and skip around until ending at hole 8.

Heavy storms on Tuesday dumped almost 15 inches of rain on the area and strong winds of nearly 50 miles an hour damaged many of the temporary structures erected for the inaugural Pure Silk-Bahamas LPGA Classic, which is the first LPGA event ever staged in the country.

The picturesque seaside holes were particularly hard hit and the fairways on the finishing holes of 9 and 18 have remained flooded.

“We put our heads together and thought this was the best alternative to deal with a difficult situation,” said Michael Whan, LPGA Commissioner. “We think we have at least 12 holes that are playable and in this way we are putting on a golf tournament (without a cut) and playing enough holes for the money to count as being official. We think this is the best solution, and it still delivers a great event for our sponsors and fans.”

The holes will be played Friday in order starting from 10 and advancing to 6-7-4-5-11-12-13-14-2-3 and 8. Some of the pars and yardages may have to be adjusted as well.

Grouping and pairings have also been adjusted to so that all golfers will start on the 10th tee, beginning at 7:15 a.m. and running through 3:35 p.m. each day.

Spectators are invited free of charge and free transportation shuttles will run continuously beginning at 7 a.m. daily from designated lots on Paradise Island.

“The damage to the golf course and structures caused by Tuesday’s heavy rain and winds was extensive,” said Matt Truax, tournament director. “But, we think we can still present a first-class event for the LPGA, Pure Silk and the people of the Bahamas,” “We thank everyone for their understanding and patience while we do everything possible to return Ocean Club Golf Course to championship condition.”

The Pure Silk-Bahamas Classic will showcase one of the strongest fields of the year on the women’s Tour, with all 10 previous winners in 2013 entered and nine of the top 10 women’s golfers in the Rolex rankings competing.