By Tim Schmitt
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.
