Wind, rain to affect the final round of 2019 British Open

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

For the first time in 68 years, golf's oldest championship is being played in Northern Ireland as the world's best golfers tee off at Royal Portush Golf Club.

During first round action on Thursday, rainfall and gusty winds lashed the course, giving the players a taste of Northern Ireland weather. As play continues during the final round, the weather may be a factor in the outcome for the 148th edition of the tournament.

Italy's Andrea Pavan plays his tee shot off the16th tee during a practice round ahead of the start of the British Open golf championships at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Wednesday, July 17, 2019. The British Open starts Thursday. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Following a dry day with gusty winds, a sharp change in the weather is expected during the final round.

While extreme weather is not expected for the final round of play, unsettled weather may lead to intense action on the rugged links which feature frequent changes in direction and elevation.

Due to the conditions expected, officials moved up the tee times by an hour for Sunday's final round.

"Strong southwest winds of 10-20 mph (16-32 km/h) are expected with frequent gusts as high as 30 mph (48 km/h)," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys said.

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The afternoon and evening appear the most likely to be dampened by rainy spells.

Heat has not been a concern at this year's Open Championship; in fact, spectators and players will want to continue to dress accordingly as the temperature peaks around 19 C (66 F). Thick cloud cover for much of the day combined with gusty winds and damp air will result in even lower AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures.

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Spectators take cover under umbrellas a heavy rain falls as they watch golfers during the first round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, Thursday, July 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Jon Super)