Paul Lawrie leads in Scotland Monty struggles

GLENEAGLES, Scotland ' Paul Lawrie shot a bogey-free 67 in rainy conditions Thursday for a one-stroke lead in the Johnnie Walker Championship.

Defending champion Gregory Havret, Steven OHara, Wade Orsmby and Ake Nilsson were a shot back.

Lawrie, who is working with Padraig Harringtons coach Bob Torrance, had an eagle-3 from 45 feet at the ninth hole.

Lawrie said he doesnt mind playing in bad weather.

With the rain, the last five or six holes were very tough, he said. I never really struggled except at the 18th, where I hooked my second shot.

He still made par.

Colin Montgomerie had an opening 76 for the second straight week, although hes just 4 over par. Last week, he missed the cut at the Dutch Open.

I didnt play well, obviously. Ive been playing badly all year and it just continues, said Montgomerie, who had a double-bogey on the 13th and seventh holes after starting at the 10th.

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