The Scottish Open has become one of the big events on the golf schedule ever since it became a partner event between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, as the best players from both tours come together for a chance to play some links golf in preparation for the Open Championship a week later.

McIlroy enters this tournament more refreshed.

"I definitely finished the round better than I started it," said McIlroy, who closed the first round with three consecutive birdies and is 2-under going to Friday.

The top 10 after 18 holes looks like this: Nico Echavarria, Jake Knapp and Sepp Straka were co-leaders early on Thursday at 6 under.

With a victory this week, MacIntyre will become the first player to win back-to-back Scottish Opens.

McIlroy said he could hear the excitement in the voices of friends talking about his Masters win. And there’s the anticipation of two weeks of a different brand of golf, the Scottish Open that starts Thursday and then the British Open at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland.

Rikuya Hoshino was forced to retire due to a neck injury.