McIlroy and Cantlay tie for early Scottish Open lead

Rory McIlroy carded a five-under-par 65 on Thursday to claim a share of the first-round lead at the Genesis Scottish Open, using strong par-five play to position himself atop a crowded leaderboard at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick. The world number two is tied with Patrick Cantlay, Tom Kim, and Bernd Wiesberger, while five-time major champion Brooks Koepka sits one stroke back after an opening 66.

McIlroy, the 2023 champion at this event, recovered from an opening bogey on his first hole, the 10th, to card five birdies and an eagle. His round was highlighted by an 18-foot eagle putt on the par-five first hole, where he reached the green in two shots. He credited his driving accuracy and performance on the par fives as key to his strong start, noting he hit all three par-five greens in regulation. McIlroy said his recent form, including at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, has shown a positive trend in keeping the ball in play, which allows him to attack the course.

Patrick Cantlay, who has not won in nearly four years, matched McIlroy's 65 with a round built on five birdies and a series of crucial par saves down the stretch. Cantlay said he has been putting in hard work...