Tarlac (Philippines), Dec 16 (IANS): Officials of the Philippine Open were on Wednesday forced to postpone the opening round of the Asian Tour golf event to Friday due to inclement weather.

The $300,000 event, which was scheduled to start on Thursday, has also been reduced to 54 holes due to persistent rain caused by Typhoon Melor which hit central Philippines on Tuesday.

"Typhoon Melor did not make landfall at the Luisita Golf and Country Club which is located about a two-hour drive from Manila but heavy rainfall has forced us to postpone the start of the event and reduce it to three rounds," Asian Tour tournament director Wanchai Meechai said in a statement.

Officials announced the decision at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, as continuous rainfall is expected until Thursday. 

"The decision was made in the best interest of the tournament and our Asian Tour members," said Wanchai.

The Philippine Open presented by ICTSI is the final event on the 2015 Asian Tour season. Marcus Both of Australia will defend his title against an elite field consisting of two Order of Merit champions and no fewer than 15 Asian Tour winners.