Heavy snow caused play to be suspended for the day at Dove Mountain. (Franklin/Getty Images)

MARANA, Ariz. -- More than an inch of snow fell Wednesday at Dove Mountain, where play in the opening round of the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship was suspended for the day.

The decision to halt play for good was made at 3:05 p.m. ET. All but nine matches had gotten under way, though none were finished.

"We were just spinning our wheels," Vice President of Rules and Competition Mark Russell said. "So we just decided to pull the plug on it."

Play will resume on Thursday. No start time has been determined yet.

"I think the worst of the snow is probably over for us now," said TOUR meteorologist Stewart Williams.

When play does resume, one match could be over quickly -- Sergio Garcia has a 12-footer for birdie at the 15th hole that could end his match with Thongchai Jaidee, who has a 96-foot putt. Garcia leads 2 up.

According to Williams, the weather should cooperate.

"It's absolutely remarkable to think one minute we're playing golf, and then within a space of 25 minutes it turns from playable to cold drizzle to sleet and to snow," said Ian Poulter, who is 3 up through 12 holes in his match against Stephen Gallacher. "It's just bizarre."