SCOTTISH CHALLENGE AT MURCAR LINKS

GARETH GETS IT WRIGHT AFTER STICKY

START TO CHALLENGE TOUR EVENT

Murray Urquhart from Inverness was the best placed Scot on four-under-par 67 at the end of the first day of the 72-hole Scottish Challenge tournament at Murcar Links,

On a bright, sunny day, the earlier starters in the huge field of 156 had a big advantage.the field. A stiff south-easterly breeze, which got up around mid-day, added considerably to the degree of difficulty for the inward half.

Sweden's Klas Erikson, a former European Tour player, benefited the most by posting a 65 and then sitting back and watching all his challengers get within reach of him on the outward half, only to fall back as they turned into the wind.

Backing up Murray Urquhart on 68 were Scott Henderson, Peter Whiteford and Jamie McLeary. On the same mark was Welshman Gareth Wright from West Linton.

Gareth started badly with a bogey at the first and a double bogey at the third but he settled with a birdie at the fifth and then had an eagle 2 at the sixth. He covered the last 13 holes in five under par.

On 69 are Craig Ronald, Greig Hutcheon and Eric Ramsay who was one of many to drop a shot in the new bunkers in the landing zone from drives off the newly-positioned 18th tee.

The leading 60 and ties after Friday's second round will contest the third and fourth rounds on Saturday and Sunday.