Faldo lets golf to the talking

Nick Faldo got off to a fine start with a round of 67. Allsport.

Nick Faldo, fresh from his much publicised row with Ryder Cup vice-captain Mark James, made a good start on the opening day of the Standard Life event at Loch Lomond.

The six-time Major winner finished four under par in what is the final warm-up event before the Open. With six birdies in his first round, Faldo would have been leading was it not for two bogeys – on the fifth and 17th.

After the round, Faldo admitted that he was thrilled with how well he is playing. He said: "I had a good week at Pebble Beach and my putting went well. I've been working really hard, trying to get the balance and timing right in the swing. I've also been trying to shape my shots more. That means I'm making a decision about it and playing through with more confidence."

Mark James, Faldo’s nemesis in the last few days, was not having such a good round, turning at one under, but dropping three shots coming back in. Faldo has failed to get James sacked as Ryder Cup vice-captain. Faldo thought that passages in James's recent book, Into the Bear Pit, were incompatible with his official role.

Native American Notah Begay, in great form after winning of two tournaments on the PGA Tour in the last three weeks, is the current leader, shooting a marvellous six under par 66, including an eagle at the 505-yard third hole.

His only blot on a wonderful round was his bogey on the difficult 18th. That dropped shot meant that he shares the lead with South African star Retief Goosen.

19-year-old Australian Adam Scott continued his impressive form after winning the Open qualifying tournament. The Queenslander kept up with partners Faldo and Tom Lehman – another man hardly enamoured by James – finishing at five under par joint with Lehman.

Open champion Paul Lawrie was on the shoulder of the leaders as he comepetes in his final warm-up before his defence. The Scot is two shots off the pace at four-under-par.

Left-hander Phil Mickelson, another rival to Montgomerie as "best current player not to have won a major," was joint leader at six under with four to go, but bogeyed the 15th and double-bogeyed the 470-yard next to end on 68.

World number nine Jesper Parnevik, out with hip trouble since the US Open, managed only a 75, double-bogeying the short 17th, but a week ahead of his Open defence Paul Lawrie boosted his confidence with a 67.

On the same mark are the consistent Welshman Phil Price, Ryder Cup Swedes Jarmo Sandelin and Per-Ulrik Johansson and Australian Stephen Leaney.

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