Start of Orange Blossom Women's Amateur Tour in Florida

Laura leads the Brits on opening

day of Harder Hall Invitational

Scotland international Laura Murray (Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen) from Alford was the best placed of the Scottish-based students at the end of the first round of the 54th Harder Hall Women's Invitational 72-hole tournament at Sebring, Florida.

This is the first event of the prestigious Orange Blossom Tour women's amateur circuit.

Laura, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, going into the second round shared 19th place after returning a five-over-par score of 77 over the 6,151yd course.

According to the tournament Press Release, "the competition began with great Florida weather."

Five players posted sub-par rounds, led by Nanette Hill from Pelham Manor, New York State with a 70 (35-35).

One stroke behind were four players - Wendi Golden and Jessica Korda, both entered from Bradenton, Florida, Amelia Lewis from Jacksonville, Florida and Candace Schepperle (Birmingham, Florida), winner of the Dixie Women's Amateur Championship last week.

Stirling University students Kelsey MacDonald, the Scottish Under-21 girls champion from Nairn Dunbar) and Holly Calvert were joint 23rd on the 78 mark alongwith Robert Gordon University student Jane Turner (Craigielaw) and England girl international Holly Clyburn (Woodhall Spa) who finished fourth in the recent World Junior Challenge in Florida.

Ireland's Rachael Cassidy, a student at Stirling, is in joint 40th position with an 81 while Stirling colleagues Rebecca Wilson from Monifieth and Harriet Beasley scored 88 and 89 respectively.

United States Curtis Cup team captain Carol Thompson, a previous winner of the "Harder Hall" title and chairman of the organising committee, had a 78, which was a pretty good effort when you consider all her other responsibilities on the day.

Last year's winner, Galway-born Alison Walshe went on to play for the United States in the Curtis Cup match over the Old Course, St Andrews in May. She later turn professional.

LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES

Par 72, 6151yd

Players from United States unless stated

70 Nanette Hill.

71 Wendi Golden, Jessica Korda, Amelia Lewis, Candace Schepperle.

72 Christy Carter, Cindy LaCrosse, Whitney Neuhauser.

73 Daniela Lendl.

74 Lauren Doughtie, Isabelle Lendl.

75 Sydney Crane, Angel Sze.

76 Jordan Allyne, Kelli Berns, Meghan Bolger, Meghan Gockel, Catherine O'Donnell.

77 Laura Murray (Sco), Kelly Fuchik, Courtney Harter, Lauren Hunt.

78 Holly Calvert (Sco), Cydney Clanton, Holly Clyburn (Eng), Martha Leach, Kelsey MacDonald (Sco), Alyssa Randolph, Carol S Thompson (US), Jane Turner (Sco).

79 Megan Chapman, Erin Fitzpatrick, Maggie Weder, Sarah Zwartynski.

80 Cassie Boles, Elizabeth Alger, Taffy Brower, Amber Hensley, Tovie St Louis.]

81 Jan Bowers, Alexandra Bodemann, Rachel Cassidy (Sco), Kristen Simpson, Mayule Tomimbang.

Selected scores:

88 Rebecca Wilson (Sco) (jt 63rd).

89 Harriet Beasley (Sco) (jt 65th).