AUCHTERARDER, Scotland, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- Richard Finch, a two-time winner on the European Tour, shot a 6-under 66 Thursday to take a one-shot lead at the first round of the Johnnie Walker Championship.
Finch, who is 268th in the world rankings, birdied the final hole at the Gleneagles Golf Club course to grab the lead.
Gary Boyd, Richard Bland, David Lynn, Robert Rock and Stephen Gallacher were all at 67.
This is the last tournament in which players can earn one of the nine automatic spots on the European Ryder Cup team. Miguel Angel Jimenez and Peter Hanson currently own the final two spots on that team and could be bumped if players behind them have a good week.
Jimenez chose not to play because of family obligations and Hanson was tied for 18th after shooting a 69 Thursday.
Simon Dyson, one of the players who could move onto the team, fired a 68.
