Golf: Deeside delight for Kerr as he matches Ferrie with 67

MURRAYFIELD'S Mark Kerr matched European Tour star Kenny Ferrie in the opening round of the Paul Lawrie Invitational at Deeside.

The 29-year-old shot an opening 67 in the 25,000 event to earn a share of the lead with Ferrie and Carnoustie's Lindsay Mann.

"I played quite nicely," admitted Kerr after his three-under-par effort. "I struggled a bit on the greens. But that shows I can score even lower if I putt better and before starting out I would definitely have taken a 67."

Kerr, a Dispatch Trophy winner with Barnton Hotel a decade ago, moved to Murrayfield earlier this year after starting his PGA training at Dalmahoy.

"Johnnie Cliff, the pro at Murrayfield, has been terrific with me," he added. "Not only did he give me a job when I needed one but he has also helped me get through my coaching exams."

Former Mortonhall man David Patrick also made a decent start on the outskirts of Aberdeen with a 70, the same as tournament host Lawrie.

Braid Hills man Paul McKechnie was a further shot off the pace, with the group on 72 including former Ratho Park star Craig Gordon, Whitekirk pro Paul Wardell and West Linton's Gareth Wright.

Playing with Ferrie and Greig Hutcheon, Wright held his own and impressed both his playing partners with some big-hitting.

The field will be reduced to 30 after the second round, with both Dunbar's Neil Fenwick and James McGhee of Duddingston struggling after opening with 77 and 80 respectively.