Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy makes impressive start to title defence

Playing partner MacIntyre had the home crowds roaring in delight when he produced an unorthodox par save on the par-three 12th, chipping over the adjoining wall after an errant tee shot landed on the 14th green.

He then ignited his round with three successive birdies from the seventh before making the turn in two under after a bogey on 18. Two further bogeys and a birdie completed a “decent” opening round.

“I got off to a really start and saw a score out there, but it’s links golf and if you’re not in the right spots you can have some difficult pitches and putts,” MacIntyre, 27, told BBC Sport.

“The tournament doesn’t really start until Sunday so it’s all about building position and staying in the fight.”

Patience paid off for fellow Ryder Cup star Fleetwood, who also started on the 10th and was one under through 11 holes before birdieing four of the closing seven.

Clubhouse leaders Kieffer and Li were out in the same group and fed off each other’s momentum, said the German.

“It was unbelievable,” added Kieffer, who carded seven birdies before his sole bogey at the last.

“The momentum was there all day. I had a great start and Haotong was playing well. There was so much momentum in the group all day. Surprisingly golf feels pretty easy.”