Genesis Open halted as high winds and rain hit Riviera

High winds and rain at 12:18 p.m. resulted in the PGA Tour’s Genesis Open suspending play Friday in the second round with more the half the field either on the Riviera Country Club course and many not even starting yet.

A large tree branch falling near the 15th hole added to the decision that the spectators could be in some danger if play continued.

“It’s just unplayable and borderline unsafe with a tree branch going down,” first-round leader Sam Saunders said during the Golf Chael TV coverage. Saunders had a 1:45 p.m. tee time for his second round.

“I wasn’t looking forward to getting out there,” he said. “Yesterday I mentally didn’t plan on playing today and I’m glad I prepared for that. I’ll be ready to get off to a hot start tomorrow.”

Jhonattan Vegas came on to tie Saunders for the lead at 7-under par after shooting a blazing 31 in the morning and ending his day at the 15th hole when play stopped.

While reports were for overnight rain and winds practically shutting down Friday’s play, the weather cooperated enough so that the 48 players who didn’t finish Thursday’s first round came back and did so. A good portion of the field turned around and started their second rounds through occasional rain and wind.

Officials said play would resume at 7 a.m. Saturday, but weather reports call for strong rain in the Santa Monica area through Saturday afternoon.