FORMER Irvine golfer Jack Doherty's hopes of a good finish in the Scottish Open at Dundonald were dashed today.

The former Irvine Gailes ace - now playing out of Rowallan Castle - played some steady golf on the front nine and was out in level par.

On the back nine, he had parred the 1st and 2nd (his 10th and 11th), had a bogey six at his 12th before securing pars at his 13th and 14th.

At his 15th he clinched a brilliant birdie after his tee shot had unluckily bounced out of the hole.

His steady golf continued with pars at his 16th and 17th holes. However he missed an easy par putt at his final hole to end the day on one over par.

Doherty (35), who plays on the Challenge Tour, which is one level below the European Tour, qualified for this event at Kilmarnock Barassie last weekend.

Top-placed Scot is Martin Laird on two-under par.

It's been a day if fairly low scoring at Dundonald and little-known Australian Andrew Dodt is joint leader on five-under par along with Englishmen Ian Poulter and American Ryder Cup ace Rickie Fowler.

In second place on four-under par are Frenchman Benjamin Hebert, Irishman LDj Dunne and Swede Magnus A Carlsson.

Henrik Stenson and Rory McIlroy, whose three-ball with Fowler attracted by far the biggest crowds of the day are even par and two-over par.

There have been sizeable crowds so far and guests have included Provost Ian Clarkson