New world No.1 Lydia Ko managed just eight holes before flooding from torrential rain cut short the opening round of the Bahamas LPGA Classic.
Playing her first event since surpassing Tiger Woods as golf’s youngest-ever No.1, 17-year-old New Zealander Ko was one-under and not to worried to be five shots off the pace.
American Brooke Pancake led by one shot after shooting a six-under-par 67 before play was suspended for the day after more than inch of rain fell on Atlantis Resort’s Ocean Club course.
Ko, who tied for second in last week’s season-opening event, was looking to make up ground on Pancacke when play resumed.
“We’ve still got 10 more holes and I know there are birdie opportunities,” Ko said. “The 18th is a par 5, too. We’ve just got to stay patient. Hopefully, I will make a couple more birdies down the stretch.”
Ko played in the rain for the first time since switching from glasses to contact lenses.
“They’re good. No problems,” Ko said. “I was like, ‘Man, I’ve got nothing. There’s nothing in my way.’ I didn’t mind the rain. It was a good test.”
Second-ranked Inbee Park was tied for second with Natalie Gulbis and Brittany Lincicome.
Gulbis is making her first start since having hip surgery in November.