After Friday’s weather had led to a suspension of the second round in the late afternoon, those with holes still to complete returned to the three host courses on Saturday morning. Round three got underway in the early afternoon, but no one managed to complete more than two holes before play was suspended.

It was then announced no further play would be possible on Saturday, with the third round now set to commence on Sunday as a two-tee start, over all three courses between 09:00 and 11:23.

Tournament director Mikael Eriksson announced on the tournament’s website. “Following consultation with IMG, Alfred Dunhill and the DP World Tour, the decision has been made to reduce this year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship to 54 holes.”

‘Wind gusts of 56mph were recorded’  

“We attempted to begin the third round this afternoon, but shortly after play started, wind gusts of 56mph were recorded, which resulted in play being suspended. Conditions for the remainder of the day gave us no option but to cancel the third round, which will start afresh on Sunday morning.”

Home favourite Robert MacIntyre and South Africa’s Richard Sterne remain the men to catch at the top of the leaderboard on 12 under par.  Sterne’s countryman, Louis Oosthuizen, remains in third on 11 under.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger