BATHGATE golfer Stephen Gallacher got his challenge in the Alfred Dunhill Links championship off to a steady start over the Old course at St Andrews yesterday.
The 33-year-old, who won the Dunhill title back in 2004, posted a two-under-par 70 on a day of low scoring to sit six shots behind early pacesetters, Ross Fisher of England and Denmark's Soren Hansen, who both fired eight-under 64s at Kingsbarns.
The Lothians ace laid down solid foundations for a good week with a tidy round which included two birdies and 16 pars.
Dunbar's David Drysdale, who needs a good finish this week to boost his hopes of retaining his Tour card, opened with a level-par 72 on the Old course.
The 33-year-old, who languishes down in 145th place on the order of merit, carved out a trio of birdies but his progress up the leaderboard was hampered by dropped shots at the third, sixth and 12th.
Edinburgh-based Andrew Coltart, the former Ryder Cup player, also carded a 72 at St Andrews while Craigielaw youngster Lloyd Saltman had to settle for a one-over 73 at Carnoustie.
The 23-year-old, who has missed five cuts in a row since finishing tied for sixth spot in July's Russian Open, reeled off birdies at the third and tenth but dropped shots at the fourth, seventh and 16th left him in 115th place.
At the sharp end of affairs, Marc Warren and Garry Orr spearhead the Scottish challenge in a share of fourth after 66s.
Former PGA champion Scott Drummond opened with a 67 while Alastair Forsyth and Colin Montgomerie both had two-under 70s.
