Madeira Open called off after bad weather

The Madeira Islands Open was called off on Sunday after four consecutive days of strong winds, heavy rain and thick fog meant the requisite 36 holes could not be completed and a result could not be declared.

Santo da Serra Golf Club endured a torrent of rain on Sunday, with 60mm falling overnight and during the morning, meaning the second and final round, after the event had initially been reduced to 36 holes, could not start. With a further weather warning issued for Monday, it was decided that the tournament be cancelled and all scores null and void.

It is just the second event in European Tour history to be subject to a cancellation for bad weather, with the other being the European Grand Prix in 1998.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer of The European Tour, said: “The Madeira Islands Open – is a hugely important event for the European Tour, so it is disappointing for everyone concerned that we have been forced to cancel this week. We are already in discussions with the club and the sponsors to reschedule the event for another week in this year’s Race to Dubai schedule.”

The tournament was led by Joachim B Hansen at the time of the cancellation. He said: “It’s definitely disappointing, because it would have been nice to put two or three good rounds together, but the weather wouldn’t let us do that. I’ve been playing well for a few weeks now, so I’m going home to have some time with my coach and I’m looking forward to Barclays Kenya Open now.”