Fog Delays Scottish Open, Fitzpatrick and Thorbjornsen Share Lead

The Scottish Open experienced significant delays on Saturday due to persistent fog, known locally as 'haar,' rolling in from the North Sea. This interruption left Matt Fitzpatrick and amateur Michael Thorbjornsen sharing the lead, both at 11-under par, as the third round was suspended. The tournament serves as a crucial lead-up to the year's final major, with three coveted spots in The Open Championship still available for top finishers not yet exempt.

Thorbjornsen, an amateur, displayed strong form by birdying his final two holes before play stopped, reaching 11-under through 13 holes. Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, encountered a setback on the 8th hole, missing the green and failing to save par, also sitting at 11-under through eight holes. Fitzpatrick is currently listed at +290 (FanDuel) to win the tournament, while Thorbjornsen, a longshot, is priced at +10000 (FanDuel).

The leaderboard remains tightly contested, with fifteen players separated by just three shots when play was suspended. This crowded field suggests an unpredictable conclusion to the event, as players will need to maintain focus through an extended final day. Notably absent from the top contenders is Rory McIlroy, who struggled with bogeys, including a missed tap-in and a duffed wedge, and is currently available at +25000 (FanDuel).

The third round is scheduled to resume early Sunday morning at 7 a.m. local time, followed immediately by the final round, which will feature threesomes teeing off from the first hole. Despite the extensive play required, the extended summer daylight hours are expected to allow for the full completion of the tournament.