Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy takes first-round lead

Rory McIlroy started the Scottish Open in record breaking fashion yesterday.

The Northern Irishman recorded eight birdies in an seven-under 64 to set the pace a week out from the Open.

Now all the former world number one needs to do is avoid his ‘Friday curse’ to take another step towards a second European Tour title in four events and give himself a boost ahead of next week’s Open Championship.

Sweden’s Kristoffer Broberg had established a new record with a six-under-par 65 at a windswept Royal Aberdeen after going out in the first group at 6:30am, but that lasted two hours as McIlroy carded eight birdies – including six in seven holes around the turn – and just one bogey.

The 25-year-old used the 20mph winds to his advantage in amazing fashion on the 13th, driving the green on the downhill 436-yard par four, but admitted he was equally pleased by the controlled iron shots which went 50 yards less than usual as his practice for links golf paid off.

“Everything was pretty much on. I controlled my ball flight really well which is the key to me playing well in these conditions and on these courses,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve been working the last 10 days on keeping the ball down, hitting easy shots and taking spin off it and I went out there today and really trusted what I practised.”