Ilonen leads as Fowler impresses at Scottish Open

LONDON: Finland’s Mikko Ilonen held a twoshot lead at seven under after the first round of the Scottish Open at Dundonald Links, with Rickie Fowler impressive in his return to the tournament yesterday.

For those who have not already won a place, three spots in next week’s Open Championship are up for grabs with a top 10 finish in Ayrshire, and Ilonen vastly improved his chances of competing at Royal Birkdale, recording birdies in five of his final eight holes for a seven-under-par round of 65.

World No 10 Fowler won this tournament in 2015 but missed it last year because of other commitments. He looked in fine fettle, carding a five-under-par round of 67 to sit tied for second.

Rory McIlroy, who missed the cut at last week’s Irish Open, continued to falter in the first round at Dundonald Links, posting a two-over-par 74. The Northern Irishman found himself four over par after four holes but fought back to give himself a chance of making the cut.

Englishman Callum Shinkwin was third off the tee in windy conditions, but he managed to also shoot a round of 67 to hold the early lead in the clubhouse. Shinkwin was soon joined by some illustrious company at the top of the leaderboard as Fowler finished with three birdies in his final seven holes put him in contention.

Ian Poulter joined the then leaders on five under par. An excellent putt at the 18th put Australian Andrew Dodt five under and part of the crowd tied for second. American Paul Peterson and veteran Padraig Harrington joined the group late in the day.