Italy’s Edoardo Molinari plays out of the rough at the second hole during the final round of the Scottish Open golf tournament at Castle Stuart golf course near Inverness, Scotland July 10, 2011. REUTERS/David Moir
(Reuters) – Edoardo Molinari was among many to take advantage of ideal conditions at the Scottish Open on Thursday, vaulting into a four-way share of the first-round lead in North Berwick.
Edoardo, older brother of reigning British Open champion Francesco, carded eight-under-par 63, a score matched by fellow Italian Nino Bertasio, American Matt Kuchar and France’s Romain Wattel at the Renaissance Club.
While Francesco is having a week off to prepare for next week’s Open at Royal Portrush, Edoardo is attempting to qualify as one of the top three finishers this week not also already exempt.
Soft conditions and little breeze left the course at the mercy of the field on a day when more than half the players broke 70.
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy and American Justin Thomas carded 67, while former champion Rickie Fowler was among just a handful of players to struggle, shooting 71.
Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina, editing by Ed Osmond