LONDON — Rory McIlroy made a fine start to the Scottish Open after a five-under-par 65 gave him a share of the first-round lead.
The event at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, east of Edinburgh is played on a links or coastal course – as is the British Open.
The 154th edition of golf’s oldest major championship takes place next week at Royal Birkdale near Liverpool.
And McIlroy, who became just the sixth player in golf history to complete a career Grand Slam of major titles with victory in the US Masters in April, was heartened by his first links round of the year.
“I thought for the most part, I played well,” McIlroy said according to AFP.
“I felt like I drove the ball particularly well, and I started to see that at Shinnecock a couple weeks ago (at the US Open),” the Northern Irishman added.
“It’s a continuation of putting the ball in play and then once I do that I feel like I can attack courses and I can set up scoring opportunities.
“I played the par-five well. I think I hit all three greens in regulation: one putt dropped for eagle and two two-putt birdies always helps the card.”
