Smyth beats the rain in the Nickson

The Prestwick Links Torrential rain took its toll on the Prestwick Links Championship on Monday night with a handful of competitors calling it quits.

But the horror conditions didn’t deter former champion Michael Smyth who fired rounds of 67 over St Cuthbert and 67 over St Nicholas.

Smyth, who won the Hillhouse Cup at his home club Royal Troon at the weekend, led the field by four shots.

Second on 138 was Stuart Robin ( St C) who fired two 69s. He was followed on 144 by holder Graeme Gimson ( St C) who is bidding for a fifth title win.

Fourth qualifier on 147 was Craig Telfer ( St C). Cut for the last 16 was 160. into the Boyd Cup at Prestwick from Thursday. The cut was 153.