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Truist Championship weather delay

Weather disrupted the start of Round 3 at the Truist Championship on Saturday morning as dangerous thunderstorms moved through the Charlotte area. PGA Tour officials announced an early delay at Quail Hollow Club, temporarily stopping play before the third round could begin.

At 8:10 a.m., tournament officials released an update confirming the suspension because of unsafe weather conditions around the course.

“Due to area thunderstorms, play has been delayed at the Truist Championship,” the tournament announced. “As a result of this decision, and out of an abundance of caution, all spectators should exit the premises for their safety.”

The PGA Tour previously stated that practice facilities had reopened, while the delay was extended by 30 minutes. Officials have not yet announced an official restart time for Round 3.

The delay comes with several top players firmly in contention heading into the weekend, including Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Tommy Fleetwood and 36-hole leader Sungjae Im.

PGA Tour Delays Truist Championship Round 3 Because of Weather

GettySungjae Im of South Korea

The third round delay interrupted a tightly packed leaderboard entering the weekend at Quail Hollow.

Sungjae Im leads the tournament at 9-under after following his opening-round 64 with a second-round 69. The South Korean is seeking his first PGA Tour victory since 2021.

“I know this course very well, so I’m taking advantage of that,” Im said Friday. “And then the scrambling, because of the play with the Presidents Cup, I know where to miss the greens, I’m very familiar with this golf course.”

Tournament officials initially suspended activity Saturday morning because of thunderstorms moving through the area. Spectators were instructed to leave the course immediately for safety reasons.

The weather interruption occurs during one of the most important stretches of the tournament, with multiple high-profile players within striking distance of the lead entering moving day.

Rickie Fowler climbed into the top 10 Friday after shooting the low round of the tournament, an 8-under 63 that included nine birdies. Fowler entered the weekend four shots behind Im after rebounding from an opening-round 74 while battling illness earlier in the week.

Tommy Fleetwood also stayed near the top of the leaderboard after posting another strong round on Friday. Fleetwood said he remained encouraged despite not feeling completely sharp with his game.

“It’s just nice to even get a couple of days where you have something to show for your work, I guess,” Fleetwood said. “Just a nice reminder that it will come good at some point if you keep doing the right things.”

Fleetwood was scheduled to play in Saturday’s final pairing alongside Im before the weather delay.

Rory McIlroy Moves Into Contention at Truist Championship

GettyRory McIlroy of Northern Ireland

Rory McIlroy also enters the weekend firmly back in contention after a strong finish during Friday’s second round.

Playing his first tournament since winning the Masters in April, McIlroy shot a 4-under 67 to move within four shots of the lead.

McIlroy appeared far off the pace midway through the round before a strong back nine quickly changed his position on the leaderboard. Birdies at Nos. 10 and 11 sparked momentum before additional birdies at Nos. 13, 15, and 16 pushed him closer to the leaders.

“It was a good day to get myself back in the hunt and feel like I have a real chance going into the weekend,” McIlroy said Friday.

The Northern Irishman said additional tournament reps have helped him settle back into a competitive rhythm after limited recent play.

“I started to make some good swings, especially with the irons,” McIlroy said. “I played one tournament in seven weeks, so I think just getting the reps under my belt a little bit and getting a scorecard in my hand.”

McIlroy also set a personal course mark during the round by hitting 14 consecutive greens in regulation at Quail Hollow.

Justin Thomas remained within range after another solid performance on Friday as well. Thomas, the 2017 PGA Championship winner at Quail Hollow, said he finally feels physically healthy again following offseason back surgery.

“I felt like I’m close,” Thomas said. “I’ve really been pleased the last couple weeks.”

Tournament officials are expected to provide additional updates on Round 3 restart times as weather conditions improve throughout the day.