2013 WGC-Accenture Match Play: Snowy weather delays hit as Tiger Woods, No. 1 seeds wait

The first round of the 2013 WGC-Accenture Match Play is not off to the best of starts, thanks to some nasty weather in Marana, Ariz. Because of the heightened elevation, snow, sleet, and freezing rain are possible at Dove Mountain and those elements combined for an early whitewash on the greens on Wednesday. The matches were suspended around 1 p.m. ET because of the accumulating snow on the putting surfaces.

***Update -- Video of the course less than an hour after play was suspended:

This is not the first time this tournament has been affected by poor weather, with cold temperatures turning precipitation into freezing rain and snow two years ago. It’s still a pretty remarkable scene, with the desert terrain being pelted with snow and golfers, such as Matt Kuchar, trying to hit their shots onto greens covered in white.

Robby Ware, a PGA Tour Rules Official, told Steve Sands of Golf Channel that when the rain turned to ice and snow the greens simply became unplayable and they had to sound the horn. He seemed optimistic that the front would move through and play would resume, but the it appears to be getting worse and piling up during the first hour of the delay. The putting surfaces could barely be seen, and obviously the chunks of ice make them completely unpredictable and unplayable. Of course, the strong winds also don’t help the weather situation. It’s supposed to be clear for the rest of the week but there was some trouble expected Wednesday (although obviously not to this extent).

Some pictures from the media on scene:

The brutal weather isn’t putting everyone in a bad mood:

More reactions and photos from the players as they wait out the storm:

For a live bracket, visit Golf.com.