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PGA Championship: Thunderstorms drop rain on Southern Hills, softening course

TULSA, Okla. — Strong thunderstorms rolled through central and eastern Oklahoma overnight, lighting up the sky and dropping 0.4 inches of rain on Southern Hills Country Club, the site of the 2022 PGA Championship.

Friday’s forecast had originally called for storms to start arriving in the area as the last players were completing their second round, but the rain held off and play was completed.

However, with dangerous weather still in the area early Saturday morning, the PGA of America pushed starting times for the third round back 37 minutes, with the first player, Brian Harmon, teeing off alone at 7:37 a.m. Central Time.

The official PGA Championship weather report states there is a small chance of more rain this morning, with temperatures topping out in the mid-50s, which is 30 degrees colder than Thursday or Friday. The wind is expected to hold between 10 and 15 mph for most of the day, but gusts of up to 30 mph are possible.

Southern Hills Country Club
Southern Hills Country Club

Southern Hills Country Club Saturday morning as the third round of the 2022 PGA Championship began. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

As the name suggests, Southern Hills is covered by slopes and there is a creek that works through several holes, so the course drains well. Players walking in the rough will see water flipping off the tips of their shoes, and that moisture could lead to some inconsistent shots, but the extra water on the course will also help players stop approach shots more quickly too.