WELSHMAN WRIGHT SPEARHEADS SCOTLAND

GARETH WRIGHT ... Welshman plumped to play for Scotland   By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@scottishgolfview.com Welshman Gareth Wright, the tour pro at West Linton GC in the Lothians, had the choice of playing for the Land of his Fathers or Scotland in this week's PGAs of Europe international team championship in Portugal. Gareth plumped for Scotland and he helped the PGA of Scotland trio to share the lead on seven-under-par 137 at the end of the first day of the 72-hole event at Onyria Palmares Golf Resort on the Algarve. Scotland and England have jumped seven shots ahead of third-placed Ireland on the best two from three individual scores to count daily format. Scotland's lowest scorer was Welshman Gareth Wright, the Glenmuir club pro champion from West Linton. He had a six-under par 68 (36-32) with an eagle 3 at the long 11th and birdies at the third, long fourth, 10th, long 15th and long 17th. Former Walker Cup player Davie Patrick (Elie Sports Club) backed him up with a 69 (34-35). He too highlighted his card with an eagle 3 - but at the long eighth and also gained birdie 4s at three other long holes, the fifth, 13th and 17th. David Orr (Mearns Castle) finished on one-under-par 71 (37-34). He also had an eagle 3, at the 15th as well as three birdies. England's effort was spearheaded by Steve Parry with a 67 (33-34). He had two eagles on his card, at the 13th and 15th. Team-mates Stuart Little (37-33) and Craig Slave (37-33) both hit the 70 mark. For Ireland, David Ryan had a 71 (37-34), Donal Gleeson a 72 (39-33) and John Kelly a 73 (37-36). Defending champions France are sharing fourth place on 145 with Germany.