Home comforts important as Scots make Dundonald mark

Nairn’s Kelsey MacDonald and two-time winner Catriona Matthew were among a bunch of home players near the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Ladies’ Open at Dundonald Links yesterday. But it was Pamela Pretswell and Vikki Laing, after scores of two-under 70, who were the leading Scots. MacDonald, the 2010 Scottish women’s champion, was on 71 and tied with North Berwick’s Matthew, who is heading for the Olympics next month. They were four shots behind leader, Gwladys Nocera, who captured the 2008 Scottish Ladies’ Open title at Loch Lomond and conceded she quite enjoyed the far from summery weather. “It was cold, rainy and windy – real Scottish weather,” said the 41-year-old, who is another heading for the Olympics in Rio. “I love playing in the wind, so it should be good fun over the weekend. “I’m also thrilled to be going to the Olympics. I’m going to stop playing fairly soon and it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It will be such an honour to play for my country.” MacDonald was happy with her round, saying: “I had three three-putts but made a couple of great up and downs. I finished with a birdie, so that it always nice. I’m all set for tomorrow.” Matthew, the champion at Archerfield in 2011 and 2013, was disappointed not to drop shots at two of the long holes but was delighted to hole a 30ft birdie putt at her final hole. “It was solid enough but I didn’t take advantage at most of the par 5s,” said the 47-year-old. “But it is always nice to be under par after the first round.” For Laing, a top prize would come as a welcome relief. She has been forced to take a part-time job in an Edinburgh pub to pay for her golf. It’s the first time I’ve had to do it,” said the Musselburgh 35-yearold. “I work three days a week, mornings and play golf in the afternoons.”

“It was cold, rainy and windy – real Scottish weather”

Kelsey MacDonald: Tied for second place so far