Connor Syme 66 and Grant Forrest 68 in first round

Scotland lead Men's World Amateur Team 

Championship in Mexico

RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico -- Connor Syme, pictured below, shot a 6-under 66 to help Scotland take a one-stroke lead over Australia after the first round of the World Amateur Team Championship for the Eisenhower Trophy.

Walker Cup player Grant Forrest added a 68 at Iberostar Playa Paraiso to give Scotland a 10-under 134 total, with only the best two scores counting for the three-man teams. Robert MacIntyre had a non-counting 69.
"The players know they have a good chance to do well here, and they are all pretty highly ranked in the world," Scottish captain Claire Queen said. 
"It's been a really good first day, and that will give them more belief for the remainder of the championship."
Syme, 20, topped the individual standings along with Ireland's Paul McBride and Poland's Adrian Meronk. A range keeper at Drumoig Golf Centre near St Andrews, Syme won the 2016 Australian Amateur.
"The key was to get it right off the tee, and then it would give you some chances," Syme said. "There's a few par 5s you can get up on in two, and my strength today was accuracy off the tee, so I had a lot of good opportunities."
Cameron Davis led Australia with a 67, Harrison Endycott had a 68, and U.S. Amateur champion Curtis Luck shot 69, also opening at Iberostar Playa Paraiso, which is in the course rotation with Mayakoba El Camaleon.
"We've come here with high expectations," Australian captain Matt Cutler said. "We told the guys not to look at the scoreboards because on Day 1 there are two different courses, and it can change so quickly."
Spain was third at 8 under at Iberostar Playa Paraiso. Mario Galiano shot 67, Manuel Elvira 69 and Ivan Cantero 71.
"It is important to post a good score early because of the weather, because it is so hot," Spanish captain Luis Mendez said. "Playing in the morning is an advantage, and you have less hot weather."
Ireland are tied fourth on 136 after rounds of 66 from Paul McBride and a 70 from Stuart Grehan. Jack Hume (75) had the non-counting score for Ireland.
The two-time defending champion United States are tied for seventh at 5 under. Oklahoma's Brad Dalke opened with a 67 at Mayakoba El Camaleon, Stanford's Maverick McNealy had a 70, and Texas' Scottie Scheffler a 73.
"I was a little nervous before this round because this is such a huge event," Dalke said. "We want to defend it for a third time. I was nervous, but once I got out there I felt comfortable."
England are tied 11 on 139 with a 69 from Alfie Plant and a 70 from Scott Gregory. Jamie Bower (73) had the non-counting score.
Wales are T34 on 144 with a 69 from David Boote and a 75 from Josh Davies. Owen Edwards (76) had the non-counting Welsh score.

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