First round of the Irish Open is suspended

MAYNOOTH, Ireland, May 18 (UPI) -- The first round of the Irish Open Golf Tournament at Maynooth, Ireland, was suspended by darkness on Thursday.

The round had earlier been delayed six hours because of strong winds.

When play was halted, England's Iain Pyman was the clubhouse leader at 2-under-par 70. Padraig Harrington of Ireland and England's Ian Poulter were 1-under 71.

On the course, Ignacio Garrido of Spain was the front-runner at 3-under through only six holes. Ireland's David Higgins, who had finished seven holes, was tied with Andrew Marshall of England (five holes) and Tom Whitehouse of England (four holes) at 2-under.

Officials noted that rain and heavy wind likely will hamper the field on each of the next three days.