It seems that the morning conditions at Birkdale got the best of Sandy Lyle and Rich Beem. Both players withdrew soon after making the turn. Lyle was at 11-over and Beem was at 12-over.
According to a Canadian Press story, Beem said after leaving the course:
I'm fine. I've played a lot of golf and I'm fried. If I had continued, I don't think I would have broken 90. I said very gracefully to the guys on the ninth green, 'I'm sorry, but I can't continue.' It was ugly.
Even with the elements, you'd figure after making the long trek over to Birkdale--especially after going through qualifying--Beem would want to at least finish his round.
