Royal Birkdale, England. The Open Championship’s second round is underway. The weather today is the story. A storm system is creating a lopsided draw, giving one half of the field a distinct advantage over the other.
The latest Open Championship weather forecast confirms: rain is expected today. Conditions are changing rapidly.
The Forecast: Will It Rain in Round 2 Today?
Yes. The storm window is narrow but decisive. Data from the Yahoo Sports forecast indicates a sharp deterioration in the afternoon.
| Wave | Time | Wind Speed (mph) | Rain | Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 10-15 | Light/Intermittent | 58 |
| Afternoon | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | 20-30, gusts to 40 | Heavy, persistent | 53 |
Morning players face manageable wind. The afternoon group will battle heavy rain and sustained 30 mph gusts. Conditions are changing from playable to punishing.
The Draw Advantage: Is One Half of the Draw Going to Have an Advantage?
Yes. The Golf Monthly analysis confirms this. Players teeing off in the morning have a clear edge. They will face softer, drier conditions. The afternoon wave will play into the teeth of the storm. This is not a subtle advantage. It is a structural one. Historical data from past Opens shows that when weather splits the draw, the leaderboard warps. Players in the favorable half gain an average of 2-3 strokes on the field.
Key Players Affected: Who Gains and Who Loses?
Jackson Suber leads after Round 1. He tees off in the morning wave. He gains. He will face calmer winds and no deluge. He can extend his lead. Other contenders in the afternoon—such as Ryan Fox—will have to grind. The NYT Athletic live blog noted that “conditions are changing” and that players in the later groups are adjusting club selection and shot placement. The storm favors conservative play. Birdie opportunities vanish.
Strategic Implications: How to Adapt to the Storm
Players in the afternoon half must adapt. Club selection shifts: one-to-two clubs longer into the wind. Shot placement becomes defensive. Aim for the center of greens. Avoid trouble. The morning half can attack. Calm air allows aggressive lines and higher trajectories. The leaderboard will reflect this split.
Conclusion: What the Weather Today Means for the Leaderboard
The stormy conditions in Round 2 create a clear advantage for one half of the draw. The weather today is the pivotal factor. Expect the leaderboard to tighten. Morning players will consolidate. Afternoon players will scramble. The Round 3 forecast shows more rain. The advantage may shift again. Check the latest Open Championship weather forecast for updates.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will it rain during Round 2 of The Open Championship today?
- A: Yes, rain is expected. The morning sees light intermittent rain, but the afternoon brings heavy, persistent downpours with wind gusts up to 40 mph.
- Q: Does one half of the draw have an advantage in Round 2?
- A: Yes. Morning players have a clear edge with softer conditions, while afternoon players face a punishing storm. This can result in a 2-3 stroke advantage for the morning wave.
Extended Reading
Source data from Yahoo Sports, Golf Monthly, and NYT Athletic provides the basis for this analysis. The Open Championship weather forecast is updated hourly.