Everything you need to know from day one in Scotland.
An made himself at home, Rory was raring to go after a reset, Detry wasn't playing games - or was he? - and Lowry was doing Lowry things on day one of the Genesis Scottish Open.
Here is everything you need to know from Thursday at The Renaissance Club.
An dominates day one
Byeong-hun An carded a bogey-free 61 to match the course record at The Renaissance Club and establish a two-shot lead after day one. The South Korean carded nine birdies to set the early target ahead of Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Belgian Thomas Detry and, while American Davis Riley threatened his lead in the afternoon, carding seven birdies in eight holes from the third, An would not be caught in the third Rolex Series event of the season. "It's great," said An. "I feel like I'm back home. This is the Tour where I started my professional career. It's been great coming back and playing links golf, definitely it's nice. I started on the Challenge Tour playing links courses and played The Open many times. I like links golf."
Rory stars after recent reset
McIlroy may have had a "reset" in the last few weeks but he showed no signs of rust as he carded an impressive 64. The Northern Irishman came in search of a second consecutive Rolex Series title off the back of five top tens but revealed he had played just two rounds of golf since hitting his last competitive shot at the Travelers Championship on June 25. "It was a reset," he said of his recent break. "I didn't touch my clubs for ten days after the Travelers. Before the Pro-Am yesterday I had only played two rounds of golf and had two practice sessions. I took a little bit of time away. But I've got some really good feelings in my swing that I think are quite consistent and even if I do take a bit of time away, I feel really comfortable getting back into it."
Detry comes to play
Detry was enjoying life in his "playground" as he continued his love affair with The Renaissance Club by carding a 64. The Belgian has never finished outside the top 45 at this week's venue, losing out in a play-off in 2021 and finishing in the top ten last season. He showed yet more links prowess recently by qualifying for The Open Championship at Royal Cinque Ports and was once again enjoying testing himself against the UK coastline. "It's my playground here," he said. "I always play well. I finished top ten last year. I just feel good out here. "I have a lovely little cottage out here on the golf course. I'm staying here with my family and everybody is happy. I feel good."
Magic hands from Lowry
We all know Shane Lowry possesses one of the finest short games in the world but somehow he still has the power to make our jaws drop - like this.
Wall? What wall
Max Homa learns what real links are all about.
