Skip to main content

ESPN analyst demonstrates how the wind is actually getting worse at the British Open

Watch what happens when you try to play the 11th green at St. Andrews in these winds.

Riveting stuff, right? Well, these are extreme conditions for championship golf, and ESPN’s Dottie Pepper spent much of the morning showing just how unplayable it has become at St. Andrews.

This demonstration occurred out on the 11th green, which is the most exposed putting surface down in the “the loop” at St. Andrews. The wind was steady and around 45 mph when she was out there. With the greens running quick and pins that were set up in high spots to avoid collecting water almost 36 hours ago at the start of the second round on Friday, the balls have no chance on the green.

It’s impossible to even pour a cup of water:

Some holes are better than others but if one hole is unplayable, the Championship obviously grinds to a halt. With the winds worse than they were during that controversial restart at 7 a.m., we’re still a couple hours, at least, from a resumption of play.

The second round still needs to finish and there are players still on their ninth hole. So, that will take a couple more hours. Then the cut will be made. And then they will start the third round, which may not come until Sunday morning at this point.

See More:

More in Golf

Golf
Michael Thorbjornsen’s first PGA Tour victory comes at Rocket ClassicMichael Thorbjornsen’s first PGA Tour victory comes at Rocket Classic
Golf

Michael Thorbjornsen took home his first PGA Tour win on Sunday at the Rocket Classic

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Shiho Kuwaki wins 2026 AIG Women’s Open after two-hole playoffShiho Kuwaki wins 2026 AIG Women’s Open after two-hole playoff
Golf

Shiho Kuwaki is this year’s AIG Women’s Open Champion

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
PGA TOUR LIVE testing out new commentator-less broadcastPGA TOUR LIVE testing out new commentator-less broadcast
Golf

PGA Tour Live is testing out an announcer-less stream this week

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Trey Mullinax suspended 6 months for violating PGA Tour Anti-Doping policyTrey Mullinax suspended 6 months for violating PGA Tour Anti-Doping policy
Golf

The PGA Tour announced that Trey Mullinax has been suspended for 6 months

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jenny Shin wins ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish OpenJenny Shin wins ISPS HANDA Women’s Scottish Open
Golf

Jenny Shin had quite the win in Scotland

By RJ Ochoa
Golf
Jackson Koivun proves future is now with 3M Open victoryJackson Koivun proves future is now with 3M Open victory
Golf

Jackson Koivun brought the future to the 3M Open with his win

By RJ Ochoa