Golf: Kelly well set for Xltec bid at Dalmahoy

CHRIS KELLY, the 2003 Scottish PGA champion, set out today at Marriott Dalmahoy in pole position to chalk up a second straight win on the Xltec Pro Golf Tour, writes MARTIN DEMPSTER.

The Cawder man, winner last time out at Hilton Park, held a one-shot lead at the halfway stage after firing a six-under-par 62 on the shorter West Course at the Kirknewton venue.

Kelly bagged seven birdies in total, with his only blemish coming at the par-4 fourth.

Leading the chase is Challenge Tour regular Greig Hutcheon, whose opening 63 included a ball out of bounds at the relatively short par-4 15th.

Graeme Brown of Montrose Links is also a shot off the lead, with James McGhee of Turnhouse two shots further back alongside Kier McNicol (Carnoustie) and Scott Henderson (Kings Links).

Making his first appearance this year, East Renfrewshire's David Orr was five-under-par with three holes left to play but found water twice on the par-3 16th, resulting in a quadruple-bogey 7. He finished on level par 68.

The second and final round was being played today over the Championship East Course.