Opening day at Hero Dubai Desert Classic delayed because of heavy rain

Organisers said early on Thursday that a further update will be provided by 10am

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  A pond emerged between the 17th tee box and the start of the fairway on Tuesday morning, after heavy overnight rain. Paul Radley / The National

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  Flooding opposite the Emirates Golf Club.

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  Part of the bunker beside the first fairway on the Majlis Course had collapsed due to heavy overnight rain. Paul Radley / The National

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  Rain has affected many parts of the Emirates Golf Club. Photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  The Emirates Golf Club staff have rectified the issue, though the area will be deemed ground under repair when play starts. photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  The Emirates Golf Club staff have rectified the issue, though the area will be deemed ground under repair when play starts. photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  Severe weather hampers the start of the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament. Paul Radley / The National

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  Members of staff attempt to clear standing water from a bunker beside the first fairway. Paul Radley / The National

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  A member of staff attempts to clear standing water from a bunker beside the first fairway. Paul Radley / The National

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  Overnight rain meant the opening round of the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club was delayed. Photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  Severe overnight rain hampers preparations for the start of the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament. Photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  Sheikh Zayed Road near the Al Khail Metro Station where the Emirates Golf Club is. Photo: Paul Radley / The National

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  Severe overnight rain hit most of Dubai. Photo: Paul Radley / The National

The opening round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has been suspended because of heavy rainfall in the emirate, organisers announced early on Thursday.

“Due to the overnight rainfall, Emirates Golf Club is currently inaccessible and the facilities are closed,” the DP World Tour said. “A further update will be provided by 10am.”

Play at the $9 million Rolex Series event was to begin at 7.10am on Thursday, with world No 1 and two-time Classic champion Rory McIlroy originally scheduled to open his bid for a record-equalling third Dallah trophy at 7.40am.

Dubai was hit with heavy rain on Wednesday afternoon, with rain forecast for most of the UAE until Friday. Wednesday and Thursday were expected to be most affected by the inclement weather.