Golf: Laing let down by her putter

MUSSELBURGH'S Vikki Laing lamented a cold putter after being unable to capitalise on a flying start to her title bid in the Aberdeen Ladies' Scottish Open at Archerfield Links.

The 29-year-old was two-under-par after her opening three holes on the Fidra course, having chipped in for an eagle at the 11th following her start on the back nine and then adding a birdie at the 12th, where she hit the flag with her approach.

But Laing, one of ten Scots in a field of 60, was left to rue a missed opportunity after eventually signing for a two-over 74, the main damage being caused by a double-bogey 5 at the eighth, her penultimate hole.

"I should have scored better after the start I made," said the four-time Scottish girls' champion of an effort that left her five shots behind the early pacesetter, England's Trish Johnson.

"I did not putt well at all and even three-putted from 15 feet at one hole. It's frustrating as my putting had been good until the last couple of rounds in Wales last weekend."

Despite the benign conditions, Johnson, a member of the winning European Solheim Cup team at Dalmahoy in 1992, was the only player to break 70 on the DJ Russell-designed course.

"I'm surprised that the scoring hasn't been better because the course isn't playing particularly long," added Laing, who was a shot behind four of her compatriots - Lynn Kenny, Mhairi McKay, Krystle Caithness and Kylie Walker - at the start of play today.

Like most of the Scots in the field, a rare appearance on home soil saw Laing cheered on by family and friends on a day when organisers were delighted with a good turnout from Scottish fans. "That was kind of fun," said Laing. "There were a few people out there and hopefully there will be even more later in the week."

Heather MacRae, the former Gullane trainee who has now moved to Downfield, had an adventurous opening round, a 77 containing one double-bogey, seven bogeys and four birdies.