Lahiri, Sharma yet to start as lightning leads to suspension

Ace Indian golfers Anirban Lahiri and Shubhankar Sharma were yet to tee off in the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament here Thursday after play was suspended because of inclement weather.

Heavy rain and potential thunderstorms swept the TPC of Louisiana about midway through the morning round of play, forcing tournament officials to issue an inclement weather warning and clear the golf course a little over two and a half hours after the first tee off.

The teams that teed off early in the morning were able to complete nine holes before the weather hit. Half of the 80-team field was able to at least start play.

The team of Joel Dahmen and Brandon Harkins held the early lead at six-under-par after nine holes.

Three teams were one shot back at five-under. They were Martin Laird and Nick Taylor; Danny Lee and Sung Kang and Brice Garnett and Chesson Hadley.

Pre-tournament favorites Jason Day and Adam Scott were in a group of six teams at four-under after birdying four consecutive holes on the back nine.