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First round of the Scottish Open
-5 R McIlroy (NI), R Hojgaard (Den), P Cantlay (US), T Kim (Cor), B Wiesberger (Out); -4 B Koekpa (US), MW Lee (Aus), M Thorbjornsen (US), K Kitayama (US), A Ayora (Spa), O Lindell (Fin), A Novak (US)
Selected others:-3 R MacIntyre (Sco), W Clarke (US), M Fitzpatrick (Eng), Fleetwood (Eng); -2 S Scheffler (US), L Aberg (Swi), V Hovland (Nor); -1 X Schauffele (USA); +1 S Laurie (annoyed)
A reduced schedule has not dampened Rory McIlroy’s fierce competitive instincts.
The Northern Irishman is being more selective with his playing events and marks his third appearance outside the Scottish Open majors since winning back-to-back Masters in early April.
But McIlroy returned to links golf to finish the first day in a five-way share of the lead with a five-under 65 at The Renaissance Club.
Only one of that quintet – Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard – was an afternoon starter as players benefited from more benign conditions in the morning.
A rejuvenated McIlroy is refusing to let complacency creep into his mindset amid a lighter schedule and capped off a career Grand Slam with his first Masters win last year.
“The benefits are seeing my family more, it feels like I have some balance in my life,” said the world number two.
“And then the challenge is, I think even though I’ve played very little over the last few months, I’ve had a really good start to the tournament. So it’s not like I’m coming in and starting off slow, and I think a little bit of extra practice actually helps in some way.
“One of the other advantages for me is, I’ve been at this for almost 20 years, and I have to do whatever I need to do to keep my enthusiasm as high as possible. Playing a lighter schedule definitely does that.
“It’s a very liberating feeling but again I can’t get complacent. I still have to set goals. I felt last year the Grand Slam was the destination – and I realized it wasn’t. It’s a continuous journey.”
Starting on the 10th, the 37-year-old bookmarked his front nine bogeys to reach a downhill turn.
He dropped an 18-foot eagle putt on the first par-five and made more shots on seven and eight. A fine save from the ball on the par-three ninth completed a strong start to his bid to regain the title he won in 2023.
McIlroy, who is tied for the top spot with Højgaard, Patrick Cantley, Tom Kim and Bernd Weissberger, said: “For the most part, I played well.
“At this point in my career, I really enjoy coming back here and playing. It reminds me why I started playing the game in the first place; the golf course and the crowds are incredible.”
