The first day of the Montecchia Open by Lyoness was called off after heavy overnight rain flooded Golf della Montecchia, making the course unplayable.
Though staff worked all day to prepare the course, at 14.00 local time the decision was made to reduce the event to 54 holes, with a cut after two rounds and a Monday finish if required.
Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour Director, explained that, given the prizemoney and Road to Oman Rankings points available at the tournament, this was the best way to ensure a fair competition.
He said: “We still have a couple of fairways under water, on hole number one and hole number four, and we have many bunkers that have not been pumped out completely.
“Considering the level of this tournament, with €250,000 available, it seems unfair to send any player out today so we have decided to cancel today’s first round.
“The tournament will now be played over 54 holes and, if necessary, we will finish these 54 holes on Monday, but only if necessary.”
