The opening round of the U.S. Open was suspended for two hours due to fog before play resumed at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
Play began as scheduled at 06:35am local time (11:35am BST) over the Long Island layout, but just 30 minutes later organisers halted play.
Only 18 players in the 156-man field teed off prior to the delay, with none yet to record a birdie.
With eight competitors tied for the lead at even par, play resumed at 09:05am (14:05pm BST).
American James Nicholas, a former DP World Tour member, hit the opening tee shot and was among those who were taken off the course as visibility issues persisted.
Reflecting on the weather-affected start to the third men's Major Championship of the year, with heavy winds expected later in the day, Nicholas said in an interview on the practice range: “It’s an honour to represent New York, hitting that first tee shot and opening up the championship.
"I was a little nervous. I didn’t hit my best tee shot, a little chunk pull but it was on the fairway. I hit the thee green and made a two-putt par so got the nerves settled. Parred second and we got to the third tee and it was a little dicey so came to the range to hit some balls.
"The USGA knows what they are doing. They have hosted this championship a lot of times, especially at this course.
"It can get firm and fast and they have softened it a little bit. The greens are more tame just because of the weather forecast.
"If you can hit good golf shots, you are rewarded and that is what you want with these kind of tournaments. But you have got to hit some great shots to make some good scores."
As a result, there is a two-hour delay to tee times with the final groups now due to start at 16:42pm (21:42pm BST).
