The first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was delayed by more than six hours after heavy overnight rain left the course unplayable.

Players and officials were informed in the early hours of Thursday morning that Emirates Golf Club was “inaccessible” and told not to attempt to travel to the course due to several roads being flooded.

Following a few hours of dry weather and a massive clean-up operation by ground staff, the course was reopened and play got under way at 1315 local time.

World number one Rory McIlroy was due to start his bid for a third victory in the event from the 10th tee at 1345.

The week has been overshadowed by an incident on the range involving McIlroy and Patrick Reed.

The American threw a tee towards McIlroy after being snubbed by the world number one and the pair have been embroiled in a war of words.