Women trail US by 15 shots in Argentina

Scotland's women golfers made a disappointing start to the world amateur team championship for the Espirito Santo Trophy in Argentina yesterday.

The trio of Kelsey MacDonald, Louise Kenney and Sally Watson, who went into the biennial event with high hopes, struggled to a seven-over team total of 151 at the Olivos course.

That left Lesley Nicholson's side a massive 15 shots behind early clubhouse leaders USA, who were on eight-under 136.

Kenney was the best of the Scots with a three-over 75 which was sent veering off course with a triple-bogey seven on the 12th.

South Queensferry youngster Watson, who played in July's US Women's Open, had been two-under through three but the wheels started to come off around the turn and she had to settle for a 76.

MacDonald, the national champion and the runner-up in the British championship, had a non-counting 78.

At the head of the field, the USA, aiming for a 14th world crown, underlined their title credentials with an impressive opening-day display.

Czech-born Jessica Korda and Cydney Clanton posted a pair of 68s.