Strong winds and thunder forced look set to force an expected five-and-a-half hours delay to the start of play on day two of the Euro 1.5m Hassan II Trophy in Agadir, Morocco.
The winds, gusting to more than 35 mph, whipped up considerable sand and dust from the adjoining Atlantic Ocean beaches greatly reducing visibility.
There is also the threat of lightning with the sound of thunder heard through the morning already.
- Sand and dust fill the air as strong winds and thunder eventuhalt play for 3 1/2 hours on day two of the Hassan II Trophy. (Photo – Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)
European Tour officials indicated they would initially review the situation at 10am local time but with not let up in the winds later did not happen.
The Ladies European Tour Lalla Meryen Cup taking place on the nearby Ocean course has also seen no start to the second round and they also will review the situation at 11am.
It was decided to resume both events at 12 noon but just minutes before the restart on both courses the winds picked up to the mid-20 mph forcing an extra hour’s delay.
England’s Chris Wood was the first player due to tee off on the ultra-private Golf du Palasis Royal course. 
Wood, who shot to fame in finishing third and one stroke outside the play-off in the 2009 Open at Turnberry, was starting his second round at two-over par.
However it had been a frustrating wait for Wood.
“My alarm went off a 5am and I arrived at the course at 6.15am so I’ve been here now for more than six hours without hitting a golf shot,” said Wood.
“I’ve hit lots of balls, undertook lots of tweeting and eating lots of food but you just have to accept it even though it’s very frustrating as I’ve been to the tee twice now.
“We’ve had a few days already this year including the Qatar Masters.
“But now that it’s nearing 1pm I feel very tired and I’m keen to go back to the hotel for a sleep for a few hours.
“The problem is now if we go out there now with the winds a little less stronger then this morning then there’s still the chance of posting high scores.
“Whereas there’s some guys keen to have the day called off and we start afresh tomorrow and on a level playing field for everyone competing.”
