PGA Tour: Austin Eckroat leads as weather-affected Cognizant Classic heads for Monday finish

After sharing the lead on the third day with American Eckroat and England's David Skinns, Shane Lowry played five holes on Sunday at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida before play was suspended, hitting one bogey and dropping to equal fourth place.

"We had to suspend because it became too dangerous," PGA TOUR rules official Mark Dusbabek told Golf Channel. 

"The system came right up overhead. Lightning struck three miles away so we had to suspend and get the players to safety and the spectators."

Eckroat picked up two birdies in his first seven holes to take the outright lead, while Skinns dropped two shots in his five holes to sit tied for eighth.

South African Erik van Rooyen finished one shot behind Eckroat after he shot nine birdies through 18 holes, while American Jake Knapp sits in third place and two shots off the lead after 15 holes.

The severe weather in Florida caused a three hour delay to play with officials having to suspend play because of dangerous conditions for players and spectators, after lightning struck near the course.

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