Players struggle in high winds

Extremely strong winds were today wreaking havoc during the final round of the Players Championship.

As leaders Paul Goydos and Kenny Perry took to the Sawgrass course, they were probably unaware that only two of the first 24 players to complete the round had broken par.

Chad Campbell, who grew up on the windswept west Texas plains, carded a magnificent  68, while the only other player to break par was David Toms, who shot 71.

The first pairing of the day perhaps set the scene for what was to come, Tommy Armour shooting 80 and playing partner Troy Matteson an 81. Armour had three birdies, but also ran up six bogeys, a double and a triple.

With the chance of a weather stoppage due to thunderstorms, it had been thought the tee-times would be brought forward, but, as one rules official commented, the forecast for Monday is fine.

In other words, they are not particularly bothered if the event does not finish on Sunday.

Two dropped shots in his opening three holes brought Goydos back to five-under, alongside compatriot Kenny Perry who had also carded a bogey.

Sergio Garcia remains the only European with a likely chance on four-under. The Spaniard would love to become just the second European winner, joining Sandy Lyle (1987) and the conditions were probably in his favour.

That was because Garcia was easily the best player in the field from tee to green through 54 holes, missing only nine greens in regulation.

Next best in that category was Jonathan Byrd, who had missed 14 greens.