The Madeira Islands Open has been reduced to 54 holes after strong winds meant no play was possible at Santo da Serra on Thursday . Gusts reached 47mph and stayed steadily above 35mph during the day , causing balls to move on the greens at the mountain-top venue . Round one is scheduled to start on Friday , with tee times for the first two rounds remaining unchanged and the cut coming after 36 holes . The Madeira Islands Open will only be played over 54 holes after the first round was delayed . European Tour meteorologist Guy Nestor ( left ) measures wind speeds of around 47mph . The tournament in Madeira , Spain has bee affected by weather problems in the past . Tournament director Jose Maria Zamora said : 'Despite the efforts we 've made - we did n't cut the greens for the last two days because we knew about this forecast - winds have been too strong and gusty . Every time we sent our referees to check , the balls were moving on the green . 'The players have been waiting in the players ' lounge now for up to eight hours , so the best option is to send them back and start fresh tomorrow . ' The wind is forecast to die down overnight , although rain and possible thunderstorms could affect play on Friday . The tournament has suffered numerous weather problems down the years and was reduced to 36 holes last year due to lengthy fog delays . Max Orrin of England hits a tee shot during the pro-am event on Wednesday before the storm arrived . Peter Lawrie of Ireland takes a swing during the pro-am event at the Santo da Serra Golf Club .
Gale force winds have delayed the start of the Madeira Islands Open . The tournament has been cut back for a second time running . The first edition has bee ##ped for 2019 with all times unchanged .