Rory McIlroy shares what surprised him about his game during round one of the Scottish Open 

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Rory McIlroy is in the clubhouse at five-under par at the Scottish Open after a fine opening round.

The 35-year-old was back in action after his painful defeat at the US Open a few weeks ago.

But McIlroy showed no signs of rust as he came out firing with an opening hole birdie before chipping in for eagle on the 12th to deliver a big highlight.

For McIlroy, this week is all about putting in a good performance and getting himself in shape ahead of The Open at Royal Troon next week.

As we know, the four-time major winner is ever the perfectionist and despite being five-under today, McIlroy believes there could have been even more in it for him.

Rory McIlroy offers his verdict on round one of the Scottish Open

Speaking to Sky Sports after his opening round of five-under, the Northern Irishman admitted he actually felt he left a few birdies out on the course.

“I think it was a bit of a slow start, up and down, I hit a couple of shots over the first few holes that I haven’t seen in practice over the last 10 days. That was a bit of a reminder that golf isn’t as easy as sometimes I think it is!,” McIlroy said.

“But then I really started to feel good, especially on the front nine – or back nine – I started to hit some good drives and iron shots and gave myself plenty of chances on the back nine.

“I actually felt like I left a couple out there as well. Overall a good start, especially after the first six or seven holes.”

Sky Sports pundits impressed with McIlroy’s return

McIlroy was happy enough with his performance and as all the top players are, felt frustrated over some aspects of his game.

However, given the circumstances, his performance was good and those thoughts were echoed by Rich Beem on the Sky Sports commentary team.

“It most certainly is [a great performance],” Beem said.

“When he left Pinehurst he was just crushed. To watch him come back out so far and just ease on in to this opening round, just two back of the lead, you could not ask for a better start.”

McIlroy, then, has set himself up nicely for Friday and another five-under round will put him in prime position to win over the weekend.