K Club reopened after strong winds

Play was delayed at the K Club due to the poor weather conditions

14 April 2012

The K Club has reopened to spectators after high winds kept all non-essential staff out of the venue this morning.

Winds gusting to more than 40mph saw fans prevented from travelling to the course west of Dublin for several hours, and also kept the European and American teams from practising as scheduled.

A statement from Ryder Cup organisers read: "The Ryder Cup site was deemed unsafe under the cover of darkness at 6.30am and with winds gusting to more than 40mph.

"All structures have subsequently been checked and loose impediments such as screens, fencing and flags secured. With 45,000 spectators anticipated both Ryder Cup LLP and the Garda Siochana were quite clear that health and safety issues were paramount.

"The weather forecast at 9am was significantly better than earlier in the morning and Ryder Cup LLP and the Garda Siochana were in agreement that the staff could enter at 9am ahead of the public being admitted at 10am.

"Both Ryder Cup LLP and the Garda Siochana would like to thank the public for their patience, especially those who were compelled to wait in the park and ride facilities."

The European team were planning to start practice at 10:30am and play nine holes at 11am before evaluating the situation, but the forecast for the rest of the day was still unsettled.

Tickets for the practice days cost €35, and with an anticipated 45,000 crowd that amounted to revenue in excess of £1million.