Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen was one of five players tied for the lead on two-under-par when officials determined to give way to persistent rain.
In among a group of 12 players on one-under was Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen, who finished six holes, and former European Ryder Cup star David Howell.
Defending champion Richie Ramsay, from Scotland, was on one-over while South African legend Ernie Els didn't even make it off the first tee.
Play was lastly called off for the day at 14.30pm local time with organizers planning to stage round one on Friday, and round two on Saturday.
Tournament director Gary Todd told the European Tour website: "We've had in surplus of three inches of rain, that's a massive amount. Hopefully the wind picks up this evening and it dries up a little bit and it gives the green keeper two hours tomorrow morning.
