Scottish rookie Vikki Laing had a hole in one at the third in a great opening round of four under par 68 and was tied for third place in the AIB Ladies’ Irish Open at Portmarnock.

The Musselburgh golfer had four birdies to set alongside the spectacular eagle and she was just a shot behind the two leaders, France’s Julie Greciet and the Swede who spent three years at Stirling University, Maria Hjorth.

While Laing was in a six-way tie for third, Krystle Caithness, another Scottish rookie, was also well-placed after posting four birdies for a 71 and a share of 21st place. 

The three Scottish amateurs who will be playing for Great Britain and Ireland in next month’s Vagliano Trophty were all invited to take part. Kylie Walker (Buchanan Castle) was the best-placed on 74, while Pamela Pretswell had a 77 and 17-yearold Sally Watson had a disappointing 81.

Laing, 28, had already had three top 30 finishes from four events as a newcomer on the LET Tour this season. Two tears ago, she was the first Scot to win on the US Futures Tour.