Playing golf in bad weather is not easy. Playing golf in the UK, even in the summer – no, especially in the summer – is very difficult.
Weather is always an obstacle when planning a major golf event. There is no control of nature, no indoor golf course, no retractable roof like the one seen at Wimbledon, the most important tournament in recent years.
Sometimes golf tournaments require luck to avoid any delays or disruptions. It gets trickier when you host a major at Royal Troon in South Ayrshire, Scotland, during one of Britain's most volatile summers of the 21st century.
While it's difficult to predict weather conditions accurately, rain is definitely expected for this week's event (July 18-July 21).
MORE: Tee times for 2024 Open Championship
Open Championship weather forecast: Latest outlook for Royal Troon
Forecast for Thursday, July 18
As can be seen from some practice footage from the Open, South Ayrshire saw some rain at the start of the week. The same weather pattern is expected to continue for Thursday's first round.
everyone is smiling @RoyalTroonGC pic.twitter.com/4N7Lh16YTz
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 16, 2024
While longer hours of sunshine and less chance of showers are expected on Wednesday, cloud cover will increase the night before Thursday's first round.
Heavy rain is possible throughout the day and wind gusts may reach 25 mph. Temperatures are expected to reach 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit).
The race will start at 6:35 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m. ET) on Thursday, and those who start early may encounter rain and cold weather.
More: Tiger Woods' pointed response to Colin Montgomery's retirement comments
Forecast for Friday, July 19
Organizers predict “unstable conditions are likely to continue” this week, meaning a mix of rain and sunshine is likely on Friday. Temperatures are expected to be about the same, but may rise slightly under clear skies.
Forecast for Saturday, July 20
Light rain is expected for much of Saturday's game, but the weather is expected to clear by late afternoon. Players may notice a slight drop in temperatures, but wind speeds may appear to remain consistent.
Forecast for Sunday, July 21
As things stand, the final round of rain is less likely, although the winds may be lighter. This can make the final day challenging. Again, with the situation so fluid, things could change between now and the first Sunday kickoff.
