HOUSTON, Texas - The final round of the U.S. Women's Open was postponed Sunday over inclement weather and will resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, organizers of the year's final women's major golf championship said.
Champions Golf Club received nearly an inch of rain in the previous 24 hours with further rain expected, according to the LPGA. Japan's Hinako Shibuno, one of 18 players yet to tee off in the major's final round, currently holds a one-stroke lead.
The 2019 Women's British Open champion, aiming to become the first Japanese player to win two overseas majors, will begin her final round at 8:25 a.m. on Monday.
Shibuno said she had been "totally prepared" and was bracing to begin the final push of her title bid before the competition was stopped at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, 25 minutes before her scheduled start.
Waiting in the locker room for over three hours for an official decision on the postponement, Shibuno said she spent her time relaxing and talking to the other Japanese players contesting the tournament.
After struggling on a rain-soaked course on Saturday and with temperatures expected to drop in Houston, the 22-year-old said she is preparing for another tough test as she once again gears up for the final round.
"I don't think today's rain is going to dry out. The ball won't fly as much because of the cold," Shibuno said.
"I want to win the championship, but I just hope I can concentrate on the shots in front of me and play my kind of golf for 18 holes."
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