Saltman clan have mixed fortunes at The Shire

LOTHIANS golfer Elliot Saltman made a solid start to his challenge in the latest PGA EuroPro Tour event at The Shire in London.

But his younger brother Lloyd was left facing a battle to survive the 36-hole cut after a turbulent opening round.

Elliot, a winner on the third-tier circuit last season, fired a one-under par 71 to sit six shots behind early leader, Philip Beever, who was impressive in blasting a course record 65.

Lloyd, who had made a quick turnaround after arriving back in Edinburgh from Challenge Tour duty in Morocco at the weekend, slithered to a six-over 78 in a round strewn with the debris of two double-bogeys and four bogeys.

Former PGA champion Andrew Oldcorn and Archerfield's Lee Harper both opened with 74s while Craigielaw rookie Mark Kerr slipped to a 79.

Cowal's Lorne Kelly, beaten in a play-off in the last EuroPro event in Norwich last week, leads the Scottish challenge on two under par.