Day one leader Sandy Scott (L)
(Scottish Amateur Photo)

After 13-year-old Calum Scott won his first national title at the recent Global Golf Post Scottish Under-16s and became one of the youngest-ever Scots to earn a Boys’ Home Internationals call-up, big brother has perhaps felt a little extra sibling rivalry.

Sandy certainly rose to the occasion on day one in Ayrshire, taking route 66 to post a five-under-par effort over the historic Prestwick links to head a quartet of players a stroke further back.

In line with a number of other countries, the Championship has changed from straight knock-out to 36-hole stroke play qualifying over Prestwick and Prestwick St Cuthbert’s, with the leading 64 players (and ties) reaching the match play stages.

“I played really well and hit the ball better than the last few weeks,” said Scott, 19, a European Amateur Team winner with Scotland last summer. “I didn’t miss many greens which was key and managed to get up and down for par when I needed to which kept my momentum going.

“I drove the ball well and my short putting was consistent. I also managed my way round the course which was crucial in the wind.

While Calum has a little work to do in a tie for 73rd spot after his three-over effort, there were no such problems for Calum Fyfe (Cawder), Banchory’s Sam Locke, Ed Wood from Crow Wood and Musselburgh’s Benn McLeod on four under.

Balmore’s Chris Maclean, recently selected for the forthcoming Men’s Home Internationals after a fine season, continued his form following a three-under 68 at Prestwick.

“I played really solid today, anything under par around Prestwick is pretty nice, especially in a wind like that,” said Maclean. “I just had to try and stay patient and pick up some birdies when I had the chances. Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow, then we can see what happens as the week progresses.”

Australia-based Scot Josh Greer, who was runner-up in the Scottish Boys’ at Scotscraig to Airdrie’s Greg Dalziel, also caught the eye after a 68 at Prestwick St Cuthbert’s, while Euan McIntosh from Turnhouse stepped up his bid for a Home Internationals return following his solid 69. Dalziel himself put himself in position for a Boys’ and Men’s Amateur double after his own 68.

Defending champion from Windyhill, George Duncan, posted a 73, the same score as the field’s top-ranked player Craig Howie from Peebles, both sharing a tie for 55th.

The second round of stroke play qualifying takes place tomorrow ahead of the match play stages.