France's Icher takes early lead over Wie, amateur ace Seong

March 30, 2017; Rancho Mirage, CA, USA; Karine Icher hits on the eighteenth course fairway during the first round of the ANA Inspiration golf tournament at Mission Hills CC-Dinah Shore Tournament Course. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (Reuters) - French veteran Karine Icher held the early first-round lead over an impressive chasing pack at the ANA Inspiration before high winds halted play at the first women's major of the year on Thursday.

With gusts of 45 miles per hour (72 kph) bending palm trees and blowing marked balls off greens and higher winds forecast, officials called an end to play with the afternoon wave of players still on the Mission Hills Country Club course.