HIGHLAND WOMEN'S OPEN AT PITLOCHRY

CAROLINE DUNBAR IS TOP SEED BY NINE STROKES   Aberfeldy's Caroline Dunbar coped admirably with the windy conditions to claim the top seeding with a one-under-par 71 in the qualifying round for the match-play stages of the Highland Women's Open golf tournament at Pitlochry Golf Club. Caroline must be a hot favourite for the title although match-play is a different game from stroke-play. Her score was nine shots better than the joint next best, home-course player Erin Millar and Claire Capocci (Bridge of Allan), both on the 80 mark. On 81 were defending champion Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas) and, from south of the Border, Catherine Smith (Melton Mowbray) and Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park). Last year's junior cup winner Chloe Stokes (Ganton) had an 82 followed by Leah Radford (Melton Mowbray) on 83. The silver handicap section was led by Ruth Murray (Scotscraig) (17) 71 with Gillian Munro (Pitlochry) (20) 72 and Marie Tansey (Elsham) (18) 73 and Jan McMillan (Hayston) (16) 74 and Liz Milligan (Dunblane) (15) also on 74. The bronze handicap section leader was Denise Waldron (Melton Mowbray) (24) 74 followed by Hayley Carruthers (Pitlochry) (21) on 76 and Claire McIntyre (St Regulus) (21) on 77 and Anne Hastie (Walton Heath) (23) on 78. Shot of the day was achieved by Pat Simpson, an eight-handicap member of Lundin Ladies. She holed her tee shot with a nine-iron at the fourth hole (115yd). Her playing partners were Claire Capocci (Bridge of Allan) and Jane Herd (Musselburgh).  Leading scratch qualifiers 71 Caroline Dunbar (Aberfeldy). 80 Erin Millar (Pitlochry), Claire Capocci (Bridge of Allan). 81 Robina Gilbertson (Prestwick St Nicholas), Catherine Smith (Melton Mowbray), Sal Shepherd (Craigmillar Park). 82 Chloe Stokes (Ganton). 83 Leah Radford (Melton Mowbray). ends