High winds causing problems

True, the wind was howling and the rain went horizontal as a storm moved into the area. That's not unusual in these parts. But it was enough for Ryder Cup officials to shut down The K Club for three hours Wednesday, giving them time to inspect the damage.

The course reopened at 9:45 a.m., after forcing fans to wait in parking lots that were miles away.

"We were worried about all of the structures and what we call 'loose impediments' that were around the site until we could conduct a full review in daylight," Ryder Cup tournament director Richard Hills said.

Gusts were about 40 mph, and Hills said anything beyond that could have created dangerous situations for spectators. He was more worried about tables, chairs and umbrellas taking flight than any problems with grandstands or three-story corporate chalets.

The storm was from remnants of Hurricane Gordon, which steadily has weakened as it crossed the Atlantic. Ireland's state forecasting system says the weather will remain wet or storm on Thursday, with more rain Friday.

What will that do to the practice rounds?

"These are top professionals of Europe and America. They have played here before," European Tour chief George O'Grady said. "I don't think our forecast is so bad that we won't be able to play tomorrow, but we'll do everything we can to start on time Friday."

The weather raised a couple of issues, however.

The opening ceremony is Thursday near the practice range, and that might have to be moved indoors. Officials also acknowledged a Monday finish is possible. Rules officials also are debating whether to play preferred lies, meaning players can clean mud off their golf balls and replace them in the fairway.

Captains Tom Lehman and Ian Woosnam will have to agree on that.

"We will resist the temptation of playing preferred lies as far as we possibly can," O'Grady said. "But if both captains wish to do it. ... I don't think it would demean the tournament."