Golf: Boult hot at Loch Lomond

New Zealander Elliott Boult boosted his chances of a place in next week's British Open golf championship after finishing in a share of second place on the opening day of the rain-affected Scottish Open at Loch Lomond yesterday.

Boult carded a six-under 65 to finish tied with Australian Jarrod Moseley, three strokes behind South African Retief Goosen.

Adam Scott, also of Australia, had moved into a share of second place through 16 holes when poor light halted play.

Heavy overnight and early morning rain delayed the start of play by four hours, forcing officials to adopt the lift-clean-and-place rule.

Michael Campbell's return to the land of his paternal ancestors did not all go to plan, with New Zealand's leading golfer signing for an even-par 71. Greg Turner is three over with one hole to play, and Stephen Scahill finished with a two-over.

Goosen, the reigning United States Open champion, stormed his way to the top of the leaderboard with a nine-under 62, just seven days before the start of the British Open at Royal Lytham and St Anne's.

Goosen began his round with two birdies and an eagle, then birdied the fifth and seventh, before grabbing a birdie hat-trick from the 10th hole and then dropping his only stroke at the 13th. He had another birdie at the 17th.

Boult began his round from the 10th tee with three outward birdies and an equal number of back-nine birdies, including a one-metre putt at his final hole that lifted him to a share of second with Moseley.

"It was very nice and very pleasing to shoot a good score after about six weeks of being in the doldrums," Boult said. "I've been working hard on my game, spending a lot of time on the range, and it's starting to feel a lot better now."

Boult was a last-minute replacement in the £2.2 million ($7.74 million) event, after world No 3 Ernie Els withdrew with a back injury.

Aside from the prospect of victory, Boult will be hoping to grab one of the eight places available in the British Open for the top eight Scottish Open finishers not already exempt into the major championship.

* Veteran Jay Haas fired a seven-under 64 to hold a one-stroke lead over three other players after the opening round of the $US3.1 million ($7.74 million) Milwaukee Open.

Haas, aged 47, won the tournament 20 years ago, when it was played at the Tuckaway Country Club.

When he tees off today, he will equal Andy North for the most rounds played in this event, 84.

New Zealander Craig Perks was on one-under 70. Fellow Kiwis Frank Nobilo, Phil Tataurangi and Grant Waite recorded 72, 75 and 76 respectively.

- AGENCIES