Rory McIlroy overcame “a little bit of rust” to finish his first Scottish Open round with a flurry, recording three consecutive birdies – and continued that form into Friday with a sensational start at the Renaissance Club.

Knapp is loving links golf so much he'd like to extend his stay another week, and he took a step toward that Thursday with a 6-under 64 that put him in a four-way share of the lead.

Nico Echavarria, Jake Knapp and Sepp Straka share clubhouse lead with six-under 64 Scottie Scheffler opens with a 67, MacIntyre cards 68 Major champions Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele & JJ Spaun among afternoon starters George O'Neill,