Anne van Dam is leading the way at the Ladies Scottish Open and making a strong bid for a place in the European Solheim Cup team for the first time in her career.

The Dutch player carded an eight-under 63 on the first day at The Renaissance Club to finish the day at the top of the leaderboard alongside Korea’s Mi-Hyang Lee and America’s Jane Park.

Van Dam is currently occupying the final automatic Solheim qualification spot so is desperate for points to keep her in the running.

"It's a big week. I kind of need my points," said the 23-year-old. “I’m just looking forward to playing a solid week of golf. Whatever happens at the end of the week, I can’t control that.”

"Only the top 10 gets points this week. I know that's how I can guarantee my spot. That's all I can ask for myself." she added

Holly Clyburn is the leading British player at four-under and Scotland’s Pamela Pretswell is two back from her.