Rory McIlroy shares the early lead at the Genesis Scottish Open, opening with a five-under 65 at The Renaissance Club. He is part of a five-way tie atop the leaderboard, joined by Patrick Cantlay, Rasmus Hojgaard, Tom Kim, and Bernd Wiesberger. McIlroy, playing his first event since the U.S. Open, carded an eagle, five birdies, and two bogeys.

Scottie Scheffler is within striking distance, three shots off the lead after a two-under 68. Scheffler, preparing for his Open Championship title defense next week, mixed four birdies with two bogeys. The leaderboard is notably bunched, with 71 players separated by only five strokes after the first round.

Other notable players close to the lead include Brooks Koepka, one shot back. Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and home favorite Bob MacIntyre are two strokes behind the leaders. The low-scoring conditions suggest a competitive weekend ahead, with many players seeking momentum before The Open.