The delayed first round of the £1 million sterling Wales Open was able to resume on schedule at Celtic Manor this morning.
Yeovil's Marcus Higley was the early leader with two birdies in his first three holes, and two players chasing a place in this year's Ryder Cup - Paul McGinley and Andrew Coltart - opened with par fours on the first hole.
McGinley occupies the 10th and last automatic qualifying place in the standings. Coltart, who made his debut at Brookline two years ago, is 13th.
Only 30 minutes play was possible yesterday before heavy rain forced play to be abandoned for the day on the Wentwood Hills course.
Conditions were completely different today with bright sunshine greeting the early starters at Celtic Manor, which is bidding to stage the 2009 Ryder Cup.
The Ryder Cup committee will be shown around the venue today as they contemplate whether the biennial contest will be held here, at Slaley Hall in Northumberland or on one of four courses in Scotland in eight years' time.
PA