Jackson Reid
Golf tournaments can be suspended for a variety of reasons, including inclement weather and unsafe playing conditions. For example, the final round of the 2025 U.S. Open was suspended due to dangerous weather, with officials evacuating fans and players from the golf course. In addition, individuals can be suspended from playing or participating in golf tournaments. For instance, the PGA Tour has suspended players for competing in LIV Golf events and tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for suspension | Inclement weather, imminent danger, darkness, or an unplayable course |
| Who can suspend play? | The Committee, Referees, USGA staff, or the PGA Tour |
| People allowed in Course Evacuation vehicles | Referees, caddies, volunteers, and players |
| Recent suspensions | Wesley Bryan, 17 PGA Tour members, Dustin Johnson (refuted), and 2025 U.S. Open |
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What You'll Learn
- Players can practice putting/chipping on/near the putting green of the last played hole during suspension
- Play can be suspended due to dangerous weather conditions, like lightning or strong winds
- Referees must direct players to the appropriate course evacuation site during suspension
- Players can be suspended for disciplinary reasons, such as failing a drug test
- PGA Tour players can be suspended for participating in non-PGA events
Players can practice putting/chipping on/near the putting green of the last played hole during suspension
Golf can be suspended for a variety of reasons, including inclement weather, darkness, or an unplayable course. When this happens, referees are responsible for directing players, caddies, and volunteers to the appropriate evacuation site and noting the location of players' golf balls on a digital Suspension of Play form.
During a suspension, players are allowed to practice on the practice range. If a player is between the play of two holes, they may practice putting or chipping on or near the putting green of the last hole played, any practice putting green, or the teeing area of the next hole to be played. This is permitted under Rule 5.5c, which states that players may practice on the course before a round or between rounds of a match-play competition. However, players must not make a practice stroke during the play of a hole or between two holes, as per Rule 5.4.
It is important to note that the Committee, which is the person or group in charge of the competition or course, may order practice areas closed during a suspension. In such cases, players must not make another stroke until the Committee resumes play. Players should also be mindful of the pace of play and avoid unreasonable delays, as this can result in penalties.
When play is suspended for the day and will resume the following day, scorecards should not be collected in stroke play, and players should be informed of the resumption time and the availability of practice facilities. This information is typically communicated via cellphone text messages if not immediately available.
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Play can be suspended due to dangerous weather conditions, like lightning or strong winds
Golf is a sport that can be impacted by adverse weather conditions, and play may be suspended due to dangerous weather to ensure the safety of the players, caddies, and spectators. Lightning, for example, is a significant concern due to its unpredictable nature and the potential risk it poses. In such cases, the Committee must use available resources to assess the danger and make appropriate decisions, and players may also stop play if they perceive a threat.
Strong winds can also lead to the suspension of play in golf. If multiple balls are moved by the wind across different parts of the course within a short period, the Committee should consider suspending play. Additionally, high winds can cause trees to fall, as seen during the 2023 Masters Tournament, posing a safety hazard to anyone on the course.
Heavy rain and flooding can also render a golf course unplayable, leading to the suspension of play. When greens become waterlogged, it affects the playability of the course, and the potential for lightning strikes adds further danger. Tournament organizers must decide whether to stop play immediately or allow players to finish the hole, and they communicate this through a horn.
The decision to suspend play due to adverse weather conditions rests with the Committee, and they must consider the fairness of the game and the safety of all involved. When play is suspended, there are procedures in place to evacuate players, caddies, and volunteers to a safe area, and updates are provided on the resumption of play. These procedures help ensure that everyone involved in the game remains safe during dangerous weather conditions.
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Referees must direct players to the appropriate course evacuation site during suspension
Golf games may be suspended for various reasons, including inclement weather, darkness, or when the course is unplayable. During a suspension, referees play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and smooth evacuation of players, caddies, and volunteers from the course. Here are some detailed instructions for referees regarding course evacuation during a suspension:
Direct Players to the Appropriate Evacuation Site:
Referees must assist in directing players, caddies, and volunteers to the designated course evacuation site. This site is typically determined by the organizing committee or relevant golf authorities and may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the suspension.
Note the Location of Players' Golf Balls:
It is essential for referees to note the location of players' golf balls on the digital Suspension of Play form. This information will be crucial when play resumes, as it helps players continue their game from the point of suspension.
Keep Players Informed:
Referees should keep players advised of the situation during the suspension. This includes informing players about the type of suspension (immediate or normal) and providing updates on when play will resume, the availability of practice facilities, and any transportation arrangements back to the golf course if needed.
Oversee the Evacuation Vehicles:
Referees will oversee the evacuation vans or vehicles designated for evacuating individuals from the course. They should identify themselves to the evacuation driver and ensure that only authorized individuals, such as players, caddies, and volunteers, board these vehicles.
Monitor Radio Communications:
Referees should maintain clear radio communication with the relevant golf authorities, such as the USGA staff, during the suspension. They should also monitor their radios for further instructions and updates, which will be announced periodically as the situation develops.
By following these guidelines, referees can effectively manage the evacuation of players and relevant personnel during a suspension, ensuring their safety and providing clear communication throughout the process.
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Players can be suspended for disciplinary reasons, such as failing a drug test
Golf, like any other sport, has had its fair share of controversies and disciplinary issues. While the sport's governing bodies have implemented rules and regulations to maintain fair play and the integrity of the game, some players have found themselves in hot water for various infractions, including failing drug tests.
The PGA Tour, for example, has had to deal with several high-profile cases of golfers violating their anti-doping policies. One notable incident involved Robert Garrigus, who, in 2019, was banned for three months after testing positive for marijuana. This incident brought to light the PGA Tour's anti-doping programme, which, at that point, had only seen three players publicly fail tests.
Another golfer, Matt Every, was also suspended from the PGA Tour for violating its drug policy. Every claimed that the ban was for cannabis, which he stated he had a prescription for on medical grounds. While cannabis is prohibited by the PGA Tour, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had dropped the cannabis compound CBD from its list of banned substances, creating a grey area.
In another incident, Vijay Singh, a former world number one, sued the PGA Tour after it rescinded a three-month ban that had been imposed when he admitted to using deer antler spray, which contains the natural IGF-1 growth hormone. Singh's lawsuit threatened to expose the Tour's drug-testing details, but the Tour won a protective order to keep any controversial information confidential.
The PGA Tour's drug-testing policy has been criticised for being too soft and secretive, with top officials from WADA and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) expressing concern. They argue that the Tour's reluctance to perform blood tests and the overall simplicity of the testing programme leave room for athletes to gain an advantage using performance-enhancing substances that are hard to detect.
While the PGA Tour refuted the claim, there was also a report about Dustin Johnson being suspended for six months for failing a drug test for cocaine. Johnson, however, stated that he was taking a leave of absence to address personal challenges.
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PGA Tour players can be suspended for participating in non-PGA events
While there are no clear rules stating that PGA Tour players can be suspended for participating in non-PGA events, there have been instances of players being suspended for their involvement in non-PGA events.
In April 2025, Wesley Bryan, a PGA Tour player, was indefinitely suspended for participating in "The Duels: Miami," a YouTube match filmed at the Miami LIV event. Bryan was warned prior to his participation that he risked disciplinary action for his involvement in the event, which paired content creators with players from LIV Golf. This suspension highlighted the ongoing dispute between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf and the question of how players who choose to play on the LIV Tour will be welcomed back to the PGA Tour.
Another instance of suspension related to non-PGA events involved Korn Ferry Tour players Jake Staiano and Vince India, who received suspensions from PGA Tour competitions for violating the tour's Integrity Program. Staiano's suspension was a result of four bets totaling $116.20, including a $25 bet on Bryson DeChambeau making a birdie at a tour event in 2021 and three bets on the DeChambeau-Koepka 12-hole TV spectacle. Vince India's suspension was also related to gambling on tour-related competitions.
It is important to note that the PGA Tour generally does not comment on suspensions and maintains a policy of not discussing disciplinary actions. However, these instances demonstrate that participation in non-PGA events, particularly those associated with betting or competing tours, can lead to suspensions for PGA Tour players.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the final round of the 2025 U.S. Open was suspended due to dangerous weather.
When play is suspended, referees direct players, caddies, and volunteers to the appropriate course evacuation site.
One prolonged note from an air horn indicates an immediate suspension, while three consecutive notes indicate a normal suspension.
Yes, Wesley Bryan was suspended by the PGA Tour for competing in a LIV Golf influencer event. Dustin Johnson was also suspended for six months for failing a drug test.
LIV Golf is a golf series supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, which is controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
