Rory McIlroy pleased with encouraging opening round at The Open Championship

The 2014 champion surged to four under on the front nine before dropping two shots on the back nine – he finished the day three behind clubhouse leader Patrick Reed.

“It was good, a solid start – I was able to make a run of birdies on the front nine,” said McIlroy.

The Holywood golfer picked up shots at four, six, seven and eight to move into a tie for the lead.

The world number four – who missed last year’s tournament because of an ankle injury – slipped back on the tougher back nine.

A double-bogey at the 13th was followed by another dropped shot at the next hole but McIlroy recovered with a birdie at 15.

“You really needed to make hay on the front nine and after a slow start I was able to do that,” added the four-time major winner.

“The double-bogey was disappointing and that affected by tee shot at the next but I was able to bounce back at the 15th.”

Meanwhile, Padraig Harrington carded a 71, one better than Darren Clarke while Shane Lowry struggled to a 78.

Paul Dunne also had a disappointing start on the Scottish links with a 77 while Portrush player Graeme McDowell is among the afternoon starters.