More than three inches of rain has already fallen on the course during the build-up to the first major of the year, with further heavy rain forecast for this afternoon.

Tournament officials initially put back tee-off times by 30 minutes and then until 1100 local time (1600 BST), before deciding to cancel play for the day.

Weather permitting, the first round will start from both the first and 10th tees at 0730 (1230 BST) on Friday morning, with the second round tentatively scheduled to start at 1330 (1830 BST) in the afternoon.

Monday's practice day was also washed out entirely and the gates closed to spectators for the first time in 20 years.

Further downpours have continued during the week and heavy rain during the night, coupled with the forecast of yet more to come this afternoon, forced the postponement.