For the first time since 2016, the Senior U.S. Open will have a Monday finish. At the Newport Country Club in Rhode Island, adverse weather conditions disrupted play, with an extreme thunderstorm causing a suspension. Anticipating inclement weather, the USGA had scheduled an earlier start for the final round at 8:30 a.m. EST.

However, heavy fog delayed the round by two hours, allowing only 11 of the 71 players who made the cut to finish their final round before afternoon showers softened the Newport CC. The USGA has now released the adjusted tee times and pairings for the delayed final round on Monday.

Leading the field, clubhouse leader Hiroyuki Fujita, at 16 under after 54 holes, will start his round at 12:20 p.m. EST, paired with Richard Green and Steve Stricker, who are third and fourth on the leaderboard, respectively. The solo second-place finisher after the delay, 2024 Senior PGA Champion Richard Bland, will begin at 12:09 p.m. EST from the 1st tee. The rest of the tee times and pairings are listed below:

• 8:00 a.m. EST: Initial players tee off
• 12:09 p.m. EST: Richard Bland
• 12:20 p.m. EST: Hiroyuki Fujita, Richard Green, Steve Stricker

While the third round was disrupted because of unduly weather, the USGA sure hopes that the Senior U.S. Open gets a better finish on Monday. However, will Mother Nature be as kind to the players at Newport CC?

Senior U.S. Open: exploring the Monday weather forecast

As the final round resumes on Monday, the weather forecast suggests a mixed bag. Early in the morning, when the initial players tee off at 8:00 a.m., a mix of sun and clouds will create a comfortable playing environment. However, as the day progresses, dark clouds are expected to obscure the sun. By the afternoon, the Weather Channel predicts a 30% chance of rain, potentially suspending the Senior U.S. Open once again.

Temperatures will peak at 74°F, with winds blowing from the north at speeds of 10 to 20 mph, posing an additional challenge for the golfers. Given these conditions, the Senior U.S. Open field will need to navigate potential interruptions and challenging weather as they aim to conclude their rounds.

The golfers will face the dual challenge of completing their rounds quickly and managing low scores on a softened and wet course. The ability to adapt to changing weather conditions will be crucial in determining the winner of the 2024 Senior U.S. Open. The USGA hopes for a smoother finish on Monday, but Mother Nature’s unpredictability remains a factor.