The final round of the 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is set to begin later than scheduled following overnight rain that left the course conditions damp at TPC Louisiana. While the weather hasn’t made play impossible, officials have opted to adjust the schedule and rules to accommodate the conditions.

The start of the round has been pushed back by an hour, with the first tee time now set for 10:30 a.m. local time. Alongside the delay, tournament officials have once again enforced the preferred lies rule for the fourth round—a decision that had already stirred controversy when applied during the third round.

Heavy rainfall was expected, with forecasts showing a high likelihood of precipitation across both days. The rule allows players to improve the position of their ball, making it easier to deal with wet and muddy fairways.

Despite the reasoning, many fans have strongly criticized the decision. Some believe the course conditions do not justify such leniency and argue that it gives players an unfair advantage.

One fan vented frustration, saying, “Why? I swear the PGA is running by fu–ing morons,” while another added, “Lift, clean, and cheat in a team competition. What could possibly go wrong?”

The criticism highlights a broader sentiment among sections of the golf community, where the preferred lies rule is often viewed as unnecessary unless conditions are extreme. For many, allowing players to reposition the ball undermines the competitive integrity of the game.

Even so, some fans acknowledge that the current version of the rule offers less advantage than it once did. Still, the debate continues as the tournament heads into its final round under scrutiny.