The PGA Tour has already dealt with a number of weather delays during the early parts of the 2013 season, but nothing compared to the snowstorm on Wednesday that forced a delay in the opening round of the Match Play Championship.
According to ESPN.com, play at the PGA Tour event was suspended after a winter storm put at least two inches of snow at the Ritz-Carlton Club, forcing players to finish their day without anyone completing a round. A number of golfers did not even get to start, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
The weather started off with a cold rain and as temperatures dipped into the low-30's the snow started to build up.
"I've never actually played golf to the point where we've actually stopped for snow, which is kind of crazy," said Jason Day of Australia to ESPN.com. "A little crazy for it to snow in the desert, as well. But that's just how it is. Mother Nature can do whatever she wants."
Day was six up through 10 holes over Zach Johnson when the suspension of play came down. 10 of the matches had not even had a chance to start before play was suspended. Sergio Garcia, who was playing in the leadoff match, put in a 10-foot putt to go up two over Thongchai Jaidee when play was suspended.
"I've seen snow on the course when I was a kid, but nothing like that on any of the tours," said Rory McIlroy, who along with Tiger Woods was among those 10 matches that never had to hit a shot.
The weather is expected to be better for the rest of the week and the weekend, giving the television officials at the event a sigh of relief as they try to get things back on schedule for the weekend. The 64-player firld of golfers will be cut in half over each round and now that there was a delay, the event will need to squeeze in some extra time.
Ian Poulter has dealt with a number of delays this year, as his only other PGA event was in Maui and was also delayed due to weather conditions.
"I can't believe it. When have we ever seen that?" he said, taking off his rain gear in front of his locker. "The two events I've attempted to play this year have been three days of 50 mph wind and 2 inches of snow in an hour. It's absolutely, flippin' unbelievable. Can't get worse," he said. "Just incredible. Bizarre. Have you ever seen it? Especially where we are."
The tournament at Torrey Pines, which was won by Tiger Woods, also dealt with delays and the final round was pushed until Monday after dense fog forced officials to call off a full round.
No one was able to complete their rounds, but Bo Van Pelt got off to a good start, building a five-up lead through 12 holes after winning six straight holes. Defending champion Hunter Mahan was up four on Matteo Manassero when play was suspended, while Matt Kuchar went up three over Hiroyuki Fujita after 14 holes.
Play will continue on Friday and organizers will try to get the players through so that the final round can take place on Sunday during the prime television hours.
