LEWISTON — Porter Cup organizers had Thursday night marked for an annual trip that takes golfers and their families to the Maid of the Mist.
Turned out they got a preview of the world-famous thrill ride standing outside Niagara Falls Country Club.
Torrential rains caused the cancellation of the second round of the event, and organizers decided late Thursday that the event will be shortened to 54 holes. Today’s second round will be pushed back until 10:30 a.m. to give the course the best chance to dry out.
“You feel helpless watching it,” said tournament director Steve Denn, who said the executive committee met after 3 p.m. to make the decision to cancel one round. “We’re going to do our best to get it in shape. The final round on Saturday.”
After Wednesday’s first round, a three-way tie atop the leaderboard had Tim Mickelson, Cody Gribble and Brendan Smith all at 6-under par.
But much like last year, when rain caused a lengthy delay, the skies turned gray early and offered few patches of sunshine.
The course was already soft prior to Thursday’s rains, so if the tournament does resume today, it’s possible the scores could continue to stay low.
“Who knows though,” Denn added, “we could get whacked again. The conditions have been so unpredictable.”
Others in the field who will need to make a charge since the field was cut by 18 holes include former champs Gene Elliot and Brian Harman, both of whom start the day five strokes off the lead.
Organizers briefly considered moving the parking lot to avoid possible damage to the grassy area near the 14th hole, but decided against the measure.
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
Porter Cup 2009
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July 23, 2009
PORTER CUP: Mother Nature claims second round
- Porter Cup 2009
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PORTER CUP: Rain couldn't compromise event
When the clouds finally cleared on Saturday, though, fans and organizers were treated to an incredible finish as Brendan Gielow, Andrew Yun and Cody Gribble went to a three-way playoff and Gielow captured the crown by sinking a chip from off the green on the third extra hole.
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PORTER CUP: Gielow takes title in spectacular fashion
For all the talk of Doppler images, weather cells and emergency evacuations, the 51st Annual Porter Cup will rightfully be remembered for something more significant — the most scintillating finish in the tournament’s proud history.
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PORTER CUP: Weather is the story after second round
The unfortunate story after Friday’s second round of the storied Porter Cup wasn’t who might emerge in Saturday’s final round, but if the round will be played at all. Tim Mickelson and Mike Van Sickle share the lead.
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TIM'S TAKE: Reigning champ Mitchell tempers expectations
Adam Mitchell returned to NFCC to defend his crown, although he clearly understood that following last year’s performance would be no small feat.
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PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Fresh from Open, Weaver keeps his focus
Drew Weaver was considered one of the favorites to win the 51st Annual Porter Cup at Niagara Falls Country Club.
That’s a little different than his recent appearance in the U.S. Open, where Weaver came in with little fanfare. -
PORTER CUP: Mother Nature claims second round
Porter Cup organizers had Thursday night marked for an annual trip that takes golfers and their families to the Maid of the Mist.
Turned out they got a preview of the world-famous thrill ride standing outside Niagara Falls Country Club. -
PORTER CUP: Mickelson among leaders after opening round
For one sizzling back nine, Niagara Falls Country Club played the role of safe haven for Tim Mickelson on Wednesday.
The wife of his well-known brother has been fighting through a publicized battle with breast cancer. His mother underwent surgery in a Houston hospital just a week ago for the same ailment. -
TIM'S TAKE: Captain Marucci still rolling along
As the captain of the 2009 Walker Cup team — the amateur equivalent of the Ryder Cup — it’s Marucci’s job to figure out who has the intestinal fortitude to represent the good ol’ U.S. of A. in the upcoming event, which will take place in September. The Americans have a two-match, four-year winning streak in hand and Marucci wants to build on his perfect 1-0 mark as team captain.
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PORTER CUP NOTEBOOK: Rough forecast for upcoming rounds
After wreaking havoc on last year’s Porter Cup schedule, Mother Nature followed suit by handing the players a 50-minute fog delay before the opening round of the 2009 event on Wednesday.
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