LOW CLOUD, high wind and fog permitted only two hours of play in the first round of the Madeira Island Open yesterday.

The Santo da Serra course, almost 3,000 feet above sea level, was shrouded in mist for most of the day, whereas the island's other golf course, Palheiro, just above the capital Funchal, was bathed in constant hot sunshine.

Tournament director David Probyn abandoned the day's play at 4.30 p.m. after seeing only 65 players of the field of 156 able to start their opening round. Play had started three hours late because of early morning cloud, and was suspended after two hours because of a gale force north wind that blew golf balls off the greens.

The first round did not resume because of heavy fog that reduced visibility and made the course unplayable. Golfers were instructed to return at 8.0 this morning when the forecast is for the wind to abate and the cloud to lift sufficiently for play to be possible.

"We hope to play a full day," said Probyn, "get round one completed, and make a start on the second."

Ryder Cup hopefuls like Padraig Harrington, Paul Broadhurst and Peter Baker spent most of the day hanging around in sweaters and waterproofs, as did Philip Walton who was up at 6.0 and kept on standby for a total of 10 hours.

Walton managed to complete six holes in company with Gordon Brand jnr and Jim Payne, for which he was three over par. His figures will stand and the Malahide professional will be up again early this morning, hoping he can swiftly complete his remaining 12 holes.

Raymond Burns and David Higgins were other early birds yesterday. Burns was unable to start, and Higgins played only one hole in his 10 hours at the club. John McHenry, Francis Howley and Des Smyth also hope to start today.

Only four of the 65 players who set out - Scott Henderson, Andrew Coltart, Scott Watson, and Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin - were under par when play was abandoned.

Henderson, with three birdies and one bogey in six holes, was, leading at two under par with Watson one under after eight.