The organisers of the Scottish Open have assembled one of the strongest fields that will be seen in Europe this year, but it was two of the game''s lesser lights who topped the leaderboard after the first day.
Alexander Noren of Sweden and Thailand''s Thongchai Jaidee recorded rounds of 64 at Loch Lomond on Thursday to put themselves one shot ahead of former US Open winner Angel Cabrera.
Neither of the early leaders is in the top 150 in the world and they were joined in the top ten on the leaderboard by several other players who are currently a long way from the head of the rankings.
John Bickerton and Garry Houston both shot 66 to finish the day tied for fourth with Niclas Fasth, while Pablo Martin, Maarten Lafeber, Patrik Sjoland and Thomas Bjorn were among the group who carded 67s.
However, Ping golfer Lee Westwood also finished on 67 to put himself in contention for a repeat of his 1998 triumph.
Yonex professional Colin Montgomerie, another former Scottish Open winner, and Ian Poulter carded 69s, but Callaway golfer Phil Mickelson may struggle to make the cut after recording a level par 71.
The world number two''s performance was at least a shot better than those of Ernie Els and Adam Scott, who both finished a shot further back. |