Intro:

Rory McIlroy broke the course record on day one of the Scottish Open in Aberdeen on Thursday (10 July).

Script:

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy recorded eight birdies in a opening round of 64, establishing a new clubhouse record at Royal Aberdeen in the process.

McIlroy's consistency was broken by a solitary bogey on the fourth hole as he hit four birdies on both the front and back nines.

Kristoffer Broberg and Ricardo Gonzalez each carded impressive rounds of 65 to finish in joint second, although the latter will be disappointed with two bogeys at the 13th and 16th holes having previously hit an eagle on the 12th to go to eight-under.

Reigning champion Phil Mickelson was one of four players to finish the round three under par and will need to make up some ground if he is to retain his title.

Michael Hoey - who qualified for the 2014 Open earlier in the week - finished a single shot behind Broberg and Gonzalez in fourth.

Luke Donald, Marc Warren and Richard Bland all finished four under par with rounds of 67.