Peter Smith learns his lesson in steady 70

PGA teaching professional Peter Smith heeded his own advice to fire a two-under-par 70 in the first round of the ISPS Handa PGA Seniors Championship at De Vere Slaley Hall.

The Scot, who specialises in helping his clients transfer their range form to the course, did just that on the testing Hunting Course to sit three shots adrift of Mark James in a share of fourth place. Ex-Ryder Cup captain James had earlier set the clubhouse target with a brilliant 67, spoiled by one bogey on the difficult par-4 ninth (his 18th).

Edzell pro Alistair Webster carded a 71 while defending champion Andrew Oldcorn posted a level par 72 in the £250,000 tournament. Deeside-attached Smith began his round with a hat-trick of birdies from the second but dropped shots on 17 and 18 denied him a share of second place alongside England’s Bob Cameron.

Marbella-based Jeff Hall is third after a 69.