Crowne Plaza Invitational Round Three: Anyone for underwater golf?

The winner of this could turn out to be the strongest swimmer. I liked the way Scott Verplank summed it up: “I didn’t have any plans for Monday, just go to the lake. Looks like the lake may be coming to me.”

Things look so ominous overnight that I’m left wondering if they will even make it to 54 holes, which for many a poor punter is a very significant figure. Unless we reach that target those playing the full competition markets on Betfair, for one, are scuppered because all bets will be void - three days solid punting up the spout. It’s a rule that puzzles me since there’s plenty of bookies prepared to settle on whatever result the organisers are happy with.

It’s not looking too good. Tournament director Mike Russell says the course is “on the verge of unplayable” and it looks as though more of the same is on the way Sunday - a 70% chance of rain.

If we do make it to 54, in-play punters still face a dilemma. Do you take a short-term view that they won’t be able to finish and the event will be decided on three rounds, or go for an assessment based on the full stretch? With more than 30 players still bunched within four shouts of the lead on a course that’s leaking birdies like a colander, your best shot at a 72-hole winner is with a pin.

But there’s a lot to tempt the layer who can judiciously exploit the inevitable shifting fortunes. Just don’t get your feet wet.