Golf: Scots get off to slow start in Argentina

Lothians golfer Sally Watson and her Scotland team-mates were today looking to bounce back from a slow start in the women's world amateur team championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy in Argentina.

The tartan trio of Watson, Kelsey MacDonald and Louise Kenney, skippered by Haddington's Lesley Nichoslon, had to settle for a seven-over team total of 151 at the Olivos course yesterday. That left the Scots 15 shots behind early leaders, the USA. Curtis Cup player Watson, two-under early on, ended up with a four-over 76 while Fifer Kenney added a 75 to the tally. Nairn's Scottish champion MacDonald had a non-counting 78.

For the USA, Czech-born Jessica Korda and Cydney Clanton posted a pair of 68s while Daniell Kang had the discarded 70.

Defending champions Sweden began with a 146 but are already 10 shots off the pace.

Meanwhile, Braid Hills pro Paul McKechnie shared third place in the Tartan Tour's season-ending Sprint Series Final at the Duke's course in St Andrews, closing with a level-par 71 for a one-over 143.