St Louis start pushed back

The attacks have halted sports across America

The first day's play at the American Express World Championship has been postponed in response to Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the United States.

Two other tournaments will also not start as scheduled on Thursday.

Organisers of the World Championship event in St Louis intend the field to play 36 holes on Friday and 18 holes on Saturday with the final 18 taking place on Sunday.

Tiger Woods and most of the world's top players are scheduled to play.

"This is a sad, sad day in America," said world number one Woods after playing a practice round on Tuesday.

The Tampa Bay Classic will open with 18 holes each on Friday and Saturday and a 36-hole conclusion.

The same schedule has been applied to the Buy.com Tour event in Oregon.

With no flights across the country, several golfers have been unable to get to St Louis.

Among those stranded are PGA champion David Toms, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love III.