IRELAND’S PETER LAWRIE is just three shots off the lead at the end of the first day’s play in the Scottish Open.
In the last tournament before the British Open, Lawrie carded a 68 for a round of four under. He lies three shots off co-leader and former world number one Lee Westwood, who stormed to a 65 this afternoon, as did surprise package from Chile – Mark Tullo.
Colin Montgomerie, captain of the Europe’s winning Ryder Cup team last year, carded an impressive 67 which keeps his hopes alive of gaining an automatic place in next weeks Open at Royal St George. Monty has to finish in the top five to tee off at the Kent venue on Thursday next.
Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell, Darren Clark and Shane Lowry all shot three under rounds of 69 and are just five off Westwood’s total. Micheal Hoey finished on level par, Damian McGrane is one over, while Gareth Maybin is a shot further back at two over par.