Ernie Els was four-under-par through 14 holes on Thursday when the first round was suspended of the PGA Tour Champions Regions Tradition in Birmingham, Alabama.

Padraig Harrington and Chris DiMarco shared the lead when the already rain-delayed first round was suspended because of lightning in the area. The first round was scheduled to be completed on Friday morning. Both Harrington and DiMarco were seven-under through 13 holes in the first of five PGA Tour Champions majors this season. The round started more than three hours late because of heavy rain, the second straight weekend rain has heavily impacted a Champions Tour event.

Els had made an eagle and two birdies when play was suspended, and was just four shots off the lead.

David Frost was one-under through nine holes, and Retief Goosen was one-over through eight holes.