Thongchai opens Scottish campaign with a 71

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee will have to make up grounds after he battled to an even-par-71 at the opening round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on Thursday.

The Black Mountain sponsored player is seeking his third victory on European soil this week but did not enjoy the best of starts when he marked his card with one eagle, three bogeys and a birdie.

Thongchai trails former world number one Rory McIlroy by seven shots heading into the second round in tied-40th place.

Meanwhile, over at the D+D Real Slovakia Challenge, Sweden’s Pelle Edberg carded a 71 to take a share of 53rd place.