Rasmus Hojgaard and Rory McIlroy share the lead after the first round of the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club near North Berwick, Scotland. Both players finished at five under par, joining a group that also includes Patrick Cantlay, Tom Kim, and Bernd Wiesberger.

Hojgaard, who had been in sole possession of the lead with three holes remaining, saw his challenge momentarily falter after a double bogey on the 16th hole. He recovered with a birdie on the 17th and maintained his place at the top alongside McIlroy. The Dane is a Ryder Cup teammate of McIlroy and was part of Luke Donald’s victorious team at last autumn’s event at Bethpage.

McIlroy, ranked world No. 2, posted a 65 that featured an eagle and five birdies, overcoming an early bogey on the first hole. He described a fortunate bunker shot at the final hole that helped him hold his score, acknowledging the good fortune involved. “I got away with one there but overall it was a really good day,” he said. This marks McIlroy's first tournament since the U.S. Open three weeks ago as he prepares for next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

In a lighter moment after his round, McIlroy was asked about his preference on National Hot Dog Day, an American observance occurring next week. He responded with humor, clarifying that he is not a “hot dog guy” and prefers a burger instead.

Meanwhile, Euro Ryder Cup colleague Jon Rahm faced a more challenging start at the Renaissance Club. Making his first PGA Tour appearance since joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, Rahm shot a 73, finishing three over par despite birdies late in the round.

Scottish players Calum Hill and Bob MacIntyre led the home contingent, with Hill carding a 67. McIlroy also commented on the R&A’s new Code of Conduct for the upcoming Open Championship, which includes measures to remove disruptive spectators. He noted that such behavior is a broader societal issue, not confined to any single country or event.

American Scottie Scheffler also began his title defense at the Open with a 68, two under par, indicating a strong build-up to next week’s major at Royal Birkdale.