First round of South Africa Open washed out

Published Dec. 16, 2010 10:02 a.m. ET

foxsports

The opening round of the South African Open was rained out Thursday with only six players having completed nine holes at Durban Country Club.

A group of five players were leading at 2 under when play was called for the day. They are two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen, Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, Scotland's David Drysdale and South African pair Divan van den Heever and Martin Maritz.

Only half the field made it on the course in the 100th edition of the European Tour and Sunshine Tour tournament.

Sunshine Tour tournament director Gary Todd says the aim is to have two whole rounds played by Saturday ''because at least 36 holes constitutes a tournament.''

Play will resume at 0830 Friday (0630 GMT).