Torrential rain washed out the opening day of the 49th annual Goodwill Golf Championships yesterday, and organisers are now praying for better weather as they attempt to squeeze in all four rounds between today and Friday.

A waterlogged Riddell's Bay course forced yesterday's first round to be postponed, although play would have been possible at the other three tournament courses - Mid Ocean Club , Port Royal and Belmont.

Because of the delay, tomorrow's annual Goodwill Professional Championship scheduled for Port Royal has been scrapped.

Instead the professional title will be decided under a 72-hole stableford format which will be incorporated in the daily team event. Pros will be awarded four points for eagle, three for birdie, two for par and one for bogey, the player with the most points at the end of the week claiming the top prize.

Yesterday's schedule has been moved to Wednesday, with the near 80 teams competing following their original schedule for today, Thursday and Friday.

Prizes for low gross and low net are decided by all the teams playing on all four courses.

This year's tournament was in jeopardy when long-time organiser Muriel Parker stood down but local pros Alex Madeiros and Eardley Jones have since filled the void.