Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
The opening day’s play at the European Masters in Crans-Montana has been suspended after heavy fog engulfed the course.
The DP World Tour event had begun in far from ideal conditions on Thursday morning with those with early tee times forced to play several shots unsighted on the Swiss course.
Having already suspended play once earlier with the course shrouded in cloud., organisers subsequently took the decision to halt proceedings more fully with the first few groups having completed only five holes.
open image in gallery
Heavy fog has hit the European Masters (Getty Images)
The first round eventually resumed at 3pm local time (2pm BST) with parts of the course shrouded in cloud. Forecast afternoon rain could yet provide more problems for both players and organisers with a strong field assembled in Switzerland frustrated by the delay.
Ryder Cup hopefuls including the Hojgaard twins, Marco Penge and Aaron Rai are among those competing with South Africa’s Brandon Stone taking an early lead with two birdies through his first three holes.
The event is held at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, which sits at an altitude of 1,500m in the Swiss Alps. England’s Matt Wallace is the defending champion with Matt Fitzpatrick and Danny Willett among the other past winners in the field.
open image in gallery
Matt Fitzpatrick was among the early starters in Switzerland (AP)
The tournament is the final chance for prospective Ryder Cuppers to impress Luke Donald, with the Europe captain set to reveal his captain’s picks on Monday.