Nicole Garcia signed for an opening round of one-under-par 71 of the LPGA’s Trust Golf Women’s Scottish Open, trailing American Lilia Vu by six shots while finishing the round as the highest-placing South African in the field.

Along with Lee-Anne Pace, Ashleigh Buhai and Paula Reto, Garcia forms a four-lady South African contingent taking part in the Women’s Scottish Open this week and slow as her start was, she will be encouraged to go for a low one on day two in Ayrshire.

Reto carded an even-par opening round and was tied for 64 going into round two. Buhai also had a good start, signing for one-over-73 after a tough outing on Thursday. She, too, will be confident of a good score on day two given that her’s was not the worst score you could have after day one of a tournament.

Pace opened with a round of two-over-par and, like her compatriots, she will feel that she can overturn that faulty start and shoot something in the 60s on day two to make the cut and play the weekend. An experienced campaigner in her own right, Pace knows what it takes to dig deep and get the desired result and she will hope for an improved showing when the second round tees off on Friday.