By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rory McIlroy seized a one-stroke lead before a thunderstorm halted final-round play on Sunday at the PGA Tour Players Championship.
While McIlroy nurses a one-shot lead after holing a 13-foot putt for birdie on the 11th hole, Shane Lowry churned his way all the way up to a tie for 17th with six birdies through 16 holes in the final round. His bid for a clean sheet, however, ended with a double bogey after pulling his tee shot into trouble left of the par-3 eighth hole. The horn blew after a sharp clap of thunder with Lowry in the ninth fairway.
Spectators were warned to find cover as thunder rolled into the area and the heavens opened.
Seek safe shelter or exit the premises. Avoid open areas, hill tops, and trees,’ a warning read.
Sawgrass was baked in sun and heat over the first two days of this tournament, which is dubbed the ‘fifth major’ and brings the world’s best players to Florida.
But 30mph winds wrought havoc during Saturday’s third round before the weather took another turn on Sunday.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for areas of northeast Florida that includes TPC Sawgrass.