Play got underway in the weather-hit second round of the British Open at St Andrews on Saturday, but officials soon called another halt due to strong winds.

More than three hours of play was lost at the start of Friday's action when a storm deluged the Old Course, and 42 players were unable to complete their rounds by the time darkness fell.

The wet weather had passed through by Saturday morning and play got underway on schedule at 7:00 a.m., but it soon became apparent that on the more exposed part of the course balls were moving about.

Officials called a halt at 7:32 a.m. The forecast was for the wind to be sustained during the morning but easing in the afternoon.

It had already been announced that once the cut is made, play will be in three-ball groupings for the third round in an effort to get the tournament back on schedule.

In the short time that play was possible, leader Dustin Johnson fluffed his chip to the 15th green and dropped a shot to slip back to nine under.

Playing partner Jordan Spieth stayed at five under as he continued his quest for a third straight major title after his wins at the Masters and the US Open.

The clubhouse leader was England's former world amateur number one Danny Willett, who fired a 69 on Friday to stand at nine under 135.

Willett, a 27-year-old from Sheffield who is aiming to become England's first Open champion in 23 years, has steadily risen to 39th in the world this year.

Two strokes further back were a quartet consisting of former world number one Adam Scott (67), fellow Australian Robert Streb (71), 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson (71) and top Scot Marc Warren (69).

Still out on the course, Scot Paul Lawrie was at eight under after 13 holes and 2010 champion at St Andrews Louis Oosthuizen at seven under after 12.
Source: AFP