Squalls across the Windross Farm course caused play to be postponed most of the day. It resumed at 4.50pm.
The odd streak of blue sky - and a fine patch in the early afternoon - flattered to deceive. The biggest problem was surface water amassing on the greens, making them unfit for play.
Bo Ream, the LPGA directors of rules and competitions, said they are "aiming to get 72 holes in if possible". That means players will return tomorrow to complete their final rounds.
Entry for spectators will be free if parking arrangements can be negotiated with Ardmore Airport.
"There's quite a bit of casual water, so we're not sure it's fair for all players," Ream said of the course. "We want as much done today, so we play less tomorrow.
"Course conditions are the number one factor alongside what the tournament sponsor is looking for, and the travel schedule for the following tournament."
Ream said the LPGA was working closely with tournament staff and sponsors to smooth logistical issues.
"The players want to play 72 holes, especially when it's advertised in advance.
"We've got players travelling all over the world, but don't have an event next week, so there's flexibility there."
If the final round cannot be completed, Belen Mozo would win the tournament because she led Brooke Henderson by one-stroke at 15-under-par after three rounds.
Henderson had eked out a three-shot lead at 17-under-par through five holes of the final round when play was called off.
She secured birdies at the second, fourth and fifth holes.
Mozo had dropped to 14-under-par in the same final playing group, but would earn the winner's cheque of US$195,000 for putting numbers on the leaderboard earlier in the tournament.
Henderson would take home US$120,900.
Most of the crowd persevered through the disruption in jovial spirits, aided by the hospitality tents.
Play was delayed between 10.05am and 12.28pm and again between 2.15pm and 4.50pm.
Spare a thought for volunteers who acted as custodians over players' balls on incomplete holes in the interim.
Before the resumption, New Zealand's Lydia Ko was in a tie for ninth after going through nine holes at one-under-par for the day and nine-under for the tournament.
She birdied the opening two holes amid a sea of loyal umbrellas, but suffered a third bogey out of four across the tournament at the par-4 eighth.
