GOLF

Laura Moffat, from West Kilbride, has withdrawn from the Scottish women's team for the Home Internationals at Lahinch, Ireland, next week. Her place goes to first reserve, another teenager, Scottish Girls' champion Vikki Laing (Musselburgh).

There was confusion recently about Moffat's availability, because she has accepted a four-year golf scholarship from the University of California Los Angeles, but it transpired that she does not fly to the United States until September 19.

Moffat's father, Jamie, yesterday explained the circumstances surrounding his daughter's withdrawal. ''She has been suffering from glandular fever this summer and had to pull out of the British Girls' championship over her own course because of it,'' he said.

''She played at Forfar in the Girls' Home Internationals two or three weeks ago when she was about 90% fit, but she feels her health has gone backwards since then.

''She feels so tired she has not been able to practise and she just does not feel up to the task of playing for Scotland. Laura feels it is only fair to give up her place. She is very upset about it but knows it is the best decision in the circumstances.''

q Glenbervie professional Craig Lee will hope to con-tinue his fine recent run of form in the Mount Ellen Assistants' 54-hole tournament, which begins today.

The 20-year-old former Scottish Boys' strokeplay champion currently heads the assistants' rankings with 331 points, 39 ahead of Dullatur's Nigel Scott-Smith, who will also be in action at the Lanarkshire venue.

Lee's best performance to date came in the Scottish Assistants' championship at Balbirnie Park a month ago, where closing rounds of 66 and 68 saw him finish tied second behind winner Martin Hastie.