SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — American Peter Malnati was atop the leaderboard when gusting winds halted play at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Saturday, with US PGA Tour officials now expecting the tournament to finish on Monday.

Only a couple of players had completed the third round when gusting winds forced organizers to suspend play because balls wouldn't hold on at least one green.

A planned resumption never materialized as the winds sweeping in from the Pacific Ocean continued to blow.

Malnati admitted he had mixed feelings when play was halted.

He had six birdies through 12 holes on the par-72 Pebble Beach Golf Links, one of three courses in use over the first three rounds along with par-72 Spyglass Hill and par-71 Monterey Peninsula.

Malnati was 12-under when play was halted, two strokes clear of Joseph Bramlett and Keith Mitchell. Bramlett was through 13 holes and Mitchell through 10.