GOLF:HURRICANE EARL caused a one-hour delay in play at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston yesterday with Rory McIlroy and Brian Davis one stroke off the lead.

Tee-off times in the opening round of the second event of the FedEx Cup play-off series were brought forward and precautions were being taken to avoid damage if the hurricane hit.

The edge of the storm, which was making its way up the east coast of the United States, brought lightning with it, forcing the 65-minute suspension.

However, with lift, clean and place in effect due to the wet conditions, there were numerous low scores.

Zach Johnson, one of the favourites for a US Ryder Cup wild card place, was the clubhouse leader on eight under alongside Australian Jason Day after the duo shot opening-round 63s.

McIlroy, meanwhile, was one of seven players in the clubhouse following a 64, featuring five birdies and an eagle at the 18th where he hit a 243-yards approach to 30 feet and holed the putt.

Earlier the Northern Irish man, who lies 28th in the FedEx standings, had birdied the first, second, ninth, 12th and 14th holes.

Davis was level with McIlroy after closing with an eagle three, added to five birdies, but Tiger Woods was four over after seven holes and in last place at that stage in the 100-man field. However, he fought back to be one over for his round after 14 holes.

Pádraig Harrington was among the later starters and a double bogey at his seventh saw him go out in two over par.