The $9.3 million Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines faced an unexpected hurdle yesterday. Play was suspended due to severe winds gusting up to 27 m/h. The PGA Tour announced the halt at 2:05 p.m. PT on January 23, 2025. At the time, only 15 of the 152 players had completed their second rounds at the South Course.

The suspension particularly impacted Wesley Bryan. Despite holding a strong position at T7 with just the 18th hole remaining, Bryan was forced to halt play, potentially affecting his momentum. But that only shows how strongl the Tour believed a suspension was in order.

Wind gusts created nearly unplayable conditions across both courses. Subsequently, golf analyst @acaseofthegolf1 sparked debate by comparing it to the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship. There, play continued despite sustained winds of 24 mph and gusts up to 36 mph. The analyst even referenced Justin Lower’s experience in Bermuda, where balls were reportedly “going backwards in the air,” yet the play wasn’t suspended.

This comparison highlighted potential inconsistencies in weather-related decisions across tournaments, and now controversey is brewing. Amid it, Dylan Wu has stepped forward with a detailed technical explanation supporting the Tour’s decision.

Responding directly to @acaseofthegolf1’s criticism, Dylan Wu provided specific insights about Torrey Pines’ unique challenges. “I’d say there are no firmer greens on Tour than the bent greens today on Torrey North,” Wu explained. Furthermore, he noted, “Balls roll off the green more on burnt bent than any other type of grass.” His technical analysis highlighted the specific difficulties players faced on the course’s putting surfaces.

Wu’s defense extended beyond mere description. He questioned the morning’s preparation decisions, offering practical solutions. “Surprised officials didn’t put more water or just not cut the greens this morning,” Wu observed. “Easily could’ve just not mowed.”

This practical insight from a player’s perspective added significant weight to the suspension decision. And notably, he wasn’t the only one with something to say. JT too had chimed in with his thoughts.

Justin Thomas belives the suspensions was necessary

Justin Thomas, before Wv chimed in had responded to the same critic with his own technical analysis comparing grass types. “Bermuda was likely grainy, slower Bermuda greens vs Torrey which has fast, severe Poa,” Thomas explained, addressing why the suspension was necessary despite similar wind speeds at other events. Moreoever, his defense carries particular significance given his recent Tour advocacy. Earlier this month, Thomas had sent a detailed memo to fellow players encouraging more access and insight to broadcast partners. His goal: enhance fans’ understanding of Tour decisions through better communication.

Despite JT and Wu’s comments though comparisons to other weather-affected events persist. Critics highlighted the December 2024 PGA Tour Q-School presented by Korn Ferry in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where players endured extreme conditions. Heavy winds whipped across northeast Florida, forcing players to adjust with two-club, three-club, and sometimes four-club winds, yet play continued. But again, the greens and course itself there is what noone’s looking at. The course was perhaps more playable than Torrey Pines was under those conditions.

So yes, the Tour’s suspension decsision’s are inconsistent. But like WU and JT said, subjective too. Do you agree? Tell us in the comments below.