DROITWICH golfer John Bickerton had five bogeys in his two over par 73 at the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond to trail leader Ernie Els by nine shots.

Last year's Open champion carded a seven-under-par 64 yesterday to set the clubhouse target after four hours' play was lost following torrential rain in the morning.

Swindon's David Howell was two shots behind after a 66 which included seven birdies and a double bogey seven, while European Open winner Phil Price carried on where he left off last week with a 67.

Bickerton had birdies on the third, sixth and 14th, but dropped shots on the eighth, 10th, 11th, 13th and 17th holes.

Hereford's David Park was two over after 15 holes at the close of play last night after heavy rain earlier in the day had delayed the start.

The long delay meant 45 players did not complete their first rounds, with Colin Montgomerie and Phil Mickelson just finishing before play was finally suspended at 9.30pm, carding rounds of 71 and 76 respectively.