Saltman two off lead after good start at St Andrews

08 October 2009
By NICK RODGER, The Scotsman

LLOYD Saltman gave his season a late lift on home soil yesterday as he finished among the leaders after the opening round of the PGA EuroPro Tour’s Partypoker.com International Open at Fairmont St Andrews.
The 24-year-old Archerfield Links professional carved out a four-under-par 68 to share second place in the 54-hole event, two shots behind early pacesetter James Busby of Shropshire, who eased to the top with a six-under 66.

Saltman, the former Open silver medal winner and Walker Cup player, has struggled to make his mark in the paid ranks since making the step up two years ago and currently languishes down in 94th place on the Challenge Tour’s rankings.

His campaign suffered a blow when he fell at the furst hurdle of the European Tour’s qualifying school at Dundonald Links last month but the ever-positive Scot remains upbeat.

“This is just my second year as a professional and, while I’m not where I want to be, I still feel things are moving in the right direction,” admitted Saltman, who countered two dropped shots with an impressive haul of six birdies.

“It’s been a disappointing year, however. I’ve been playing well recently but I’ve not been getting the rewards.

“This was a good day and I kept plugging away and it gives you a lift to see your name up among the leaders on the board.”