Madeira Islands Open reduced to 36 holes due to bad weather for 2nd straight year

SANTO ANTONIO DA SERRA, Portugal – Bad weather has forced organizers to reduce the Madeira Islands Open to 36 holes for a second straight year.

Organizers said Saturday that continued heavy rain falling on the Portuguese archipelago maintained flooding on the Clube de Golf Santo da Serra course. Heavy winds prevented the first round from starting on Thursday, and rain interrupted play on Friday.

Denmark's Joachim B. Hansen holds a one-shot lead with several golfers yet to finish their opening round.

Last year, heavy fog during the first three days of the event forced organizers to reduce it to 36 holes.