Heavy rain delays start in Durban

Heavy rain delayed play on the second morning of the Volvo Golf Champions in South Africa today.

The action was due to resume at 9am, but a two-hour suspension was announced as greenkeeping staff went to work on the Durban Country Club.

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee led home stars Ernie Els and Louis Oosthuizen by three after an opening seven under par 65.

It was in Durban last month that the first event of the European Tour season, the Nelson Mandela Championship, had to be cut to just 36 holes because of waterlogged fairways.

Only 33 players are involved in this week’s winners-only tournament, but they were joined today by amateurs from the final of the Volvo World Challenge.

The two professionals to produce the lowest team score would be rewarded with a car each.