Golf: Rollercoaster start for Cat

NORTH BERWICK'S Catriona Matthew made a rollercoaster start as she set about her quest for a second Ricoh Women's British Open title at Carnoustie this morning.

Teeing off in the third group out, the 41-year-old birdied the opening hole in the perfect, sunny conditions to stand at the top of the leaderboard.

However, she then dropped a shot at the second to slip back to even par.

Teenage English amateur Lauren Taylor, the British Women's Amateur Champion, showed her talent by taking the lead on one under par after two holes.

Matthew is one of the four Scots in the field. Glasgow's Janice Moodie makes her comeback after the birth of her second son, Matt, in March and Kylie walker made it through Monday's qualifying round.

Bothwell Castle amateur Pamela Pretswell, the Women's British Open Strokeplay Champion, makes her debut.

Taiwan's Yani Tseng, the winner from Royal Birkdale 12 months ago, was full of praise for the Open Championship links.

"I just love the course and am so excited about defending the title," said the 22-year-old.