Rory McIlroy bounces back from US Open meltdown with fast start at Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy has raced out the blocks in his title defence at the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick.
Rory McIlroy put his US Open misery well and truly behind him in the first round of his title defence at the Scottish Open.
McIlroy, 35, took the last few weeks out of action to mentally and physically recover from his agonising solo second behind Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open last month.
He reflected on his US Open anguish where he missed two short putts on the closing holes during his pre-tournament press conference.
But that is now all in the past for the World No.2 who returned to The Renaissance Club, where he won last season, and opened with a solid 5-under 65 to move into early contention for the 2024 Scottish Open.
McIlroy started on the par-5 10th and opened brightly with a birdie.
But he would hand it back at the par-4 11th.
He then birdied the 14th, bogeyed the 15th, and birdied the 16th to go out in 34.
McIlroy then really got the wheels in motion as he headed into the back nine.
The Ulsterman birdied the par-4 1st, chipped in for eagle at the par-5 3rd and then added another birdie at the par-4 4th.
McIlroy parred into the house for a pleasing 65 start.
As it stands, McIlroy is just three shots off the early pace, currently set by a resurgent Justin Thomas on 8-under par.
McIlroy is bidding to become the only player in history to successfully defend the Scottish Open this week.
The Scottish Open is now a co-sanctioned event between the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.
McIlroy, a four-time major champion, is looking to keep his game in strong order with the 152nd Open Championship taking place at Royal Troon next week.
It's now coming up to exactly 10 years since McIlroy's last major victory at the 2014 US PGA.
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