Golf: Scott sneaks into contention

Australian Adam Scott grabbed a share of second place when the Scottish Open resumed on another rainy morning at Loch Lomond.

Scott, 21 next Monday, was among the players unable to finish yesterday because of a four-hour delay, but he returned to complete a six-under-par 65 that left him alongside compatriot Jarrod Moseley and New Zealander Elliot Boult, three behind pace-setting Retief Goosen.

Playing partners Justin Rose and Paul McGinley were in hot pursuit of the new US Open champion as well.

Rose, pipped by Scott for the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa in January, birdied the tough 470-yard 16th and parred the last two for a four-under 67.

McGinley had birdied four of the first five holes yesterday, but after a string of pars he bogeyed the last and had to be content with a 68.

Darren Clarke, who eagled the 345-yard 14th and birdied the 15th just before play was called off last night, bogeyed the 17th to stand two under.

His playing partner John Daly, however, continued where he left off. A hat-trick of birdies from the 12th had put the former Open champion three under and he made a two to Clarke’s four on the short 17th.

The conditions were not what the hosts were hoping for on the day - Friday the 13th, of course - that Europe’s Ryder Cup Committee were visiting to evaluate Loch Lomond’s credentials for the 2009 Ryder Cup.

The club is in a bidding war with Turnberry, Gleneagles, Carnoustie, Celtic Manor and Slaley Hall, but is not among the favourites because of the area’s bad weather record and various infrastructure problems.