The Loop

Northern Trust Open: Beware the cyclonic flow

February 16, 2011

PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. -- The California swing on the PGA Tour typically provides fodder for those who argue (as this writer does occasionally) that the tour ought to open in Florida, then head to California, better to avoid the latter's rainy season (yes, it has one). This year has been an anomaly.

The weather at the Bob Hope Classic was five days of Nirvanna. It was largely good at the Farmers Insurance Open, perfect at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

But eventually it would get to Los Angeles, the hole card for those making the aforementioned argument. If one only knew Los Angeles from the Northern Trust Open at the Riviera Country Club here, he would have to conclude it's among the rainiest places in the country. It seems to rain here annually, sometimes harder than others.

In 2005, Adam Scott and Chad Campbell had to return on Monday for a playoff to determine the winner of an event that could only complete 36 holes because of rain (Scott won). Last year, the second round on Friday was played in a shower that did not cease the entire day.

So how does the weather look here this year? Here's part of the report from Stewart Williams, the PGA Tour's on-site meteorolgist: "Areas of light rain will continue through the morning hours (Wednesday) before the cold front brings a heavier band of rain through the area this afternoon. Cyclonic flow will keep the chance for some showers in the forecast on Thursday. Then a stronger low pressure system will move across the region Friday into Saturday. This will provide gusty winds and heavy rain at times. A few t-storms cannot be ruled out as well."

Cyclonic flow?

-- John Strege