Excess water in Evian halts first round

Scotland’s Catriona Matthew hit just one shot before rain forced the first round of the Evian Championship, the fifth and final women’s major of the season, to be suspended yesterday.

Only 47 minutes of play was possible due to flooding on the French course and the 18 players who did manage to start had their scores wiped out. The aim is now to have the first round today, the second tomorrow and 36 holes squeezed into Sunday.

Four of the last six women’s majors have been forced to pack two rounds into Sunday. The first round of the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Hoylake 12 months ago was ruled out by wind and rain and Saturday’s play in the same championship at St Andrews last month was also blown into touch.

At this year’s LPGA Championship in Rochester, New York, the first round never got started due to storms. In the end, Matthew had to play 39 holes on the final day before losing to Inbee Park at the third extra hole.

“The course is saturated and unplayable,” said LPGA vice-president Heather Daly-Donofrio. “But the goal is to 
complete 72 holes. Going on to Monday is an option.”