Amateur golfBrian KeoghHelen Holm Scottish Amateur Open, Olivia Mehaffey, Linnea Strom, Chloe Ryan, Annabel Wilson, Niamh McSherry, Sinead Sexton, Shannon Burke, Victoria Craig, Maura Diamond, Paula Grant, Mary Doyle, Jessica RossComment

Non-stop Mehaffey leads Irish challenge in Helen Holm

Amateur golfBrian KeoghHelen Holm Scottish Amateur Open, Olivia Mehaffey, Linnea Strom, Chloe Ryan, Annabel Wilson, Niamh McSherry, Sinead Sexton, Shannon Burke, Victoria Craig, Maura Diamond, Paula Grant, Mary Doyle, Jessica RossComment
Non-stop Mehaffey leads Irish challenge in Helen Holm
 PICTURE BY PAT CASHMAN

 PICTURE BY PAT CASHMAN

Olivia Mehaffey flew the flag for Irish golf as world No 3 Linnea Strom fired a four under 68 on Troon Portland to share the first round lead in the Helen Holm Scottish Strokeplay.

Relatively fresh from completing a hat-trick of wins in the Irish Girls Amateur Open last weekend and studying for exams, the Royal County Down Ladies’ star mixed three birdies with three bogeys in a level par 72.

Scores

Despite all that, not to mention the poor weather in Scotland, she's tied ninth spot behind Strom, who shares the lead with England’s Jae Bowers and Hollie Muse, one shot clear of compatriot Inci Mehmet on four under.

Chloe Ryan, Annabel Wilson, Niamh McSherry and Sinead Sexton are tied 16th after 73s with Paula Grant, Mary Doyle and Jessica Ross all taking 76 to share 43rd.

Shannon Burke (79), Victoria Craig (82) and Maura Diamond (88) are outside the top 66 and ties who will make the cut on Saturday.