LPGA Evian Championship: Rain forces shortened tournament

The Evian Championship has been reduced to a 54-hole tournament after significant rain, high winds and wet course conditions caused Thursday's scheduled first round to be canceled at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France.

All play that took place on Thursday has been voided at the final women's golf major of the season.

The first round is slated to begin at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, with a cut to be made on Saturday. The top 70 players and ties will advance to the final round on Sunday.

"While we did not make this decision lightly, we believe that this is the right decision -- to have the fairest, most competitive tournament for all players in this field," LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said. "We are happy and encouraged with how well the golf course is handling the weather, and it should set up for another amazing Evian finish."

Whan noted safety concerns as the primary reason for the abrupt stop in play.

"The good news is the golf course is draining like never before, we really like what's going on with the greens and fairways," Whan said. "But with the hills and caddie bags, today we were worried about safety, everything is pretty saturated and If somebody goes down it's not going to be a great experience."

Forecast weather is for "pretty good" playing conditions for the next two days before more rain is expected on Sunday.

The field includes 92 of the top 100 players on the LPGA money List, and the winners of a combined 51 majors.