Day one: Justin Thomas out in front at Genesis Scottish Open

Many of the best golfers in the world are battling it out at The Renaissance Club - seven days ahead of The Open being played.

Rory McIlroy, winner of the Genesis Scottish Open in East Lothian 12 months ago, is handily placed but it is Thomas who is out in front.

The American carded a near-flawless opening round 62, with eight birdies.

That was enough to put him one-stroke ahead of Sungjae Im and two in front of Maximilian Kieffer, Haotong Li, Thomas Detry, Justin Lower and Ludvig Aberg.

READ MORE: Scottish Open 2024 tees off at The Renaissance Club

McIlroy is in a 16-strong group on five-under-par, which also includes big names in Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood.

Leading the way for the home contenders are Robert MacIntyre and Grant Forrest, who sit tied for 33rd on three-under-par.

Forrest, who lives at Pencaitland, scored five birdies - and two bogeys - during his opening round as he looks to make the cut and build on last year's showing, which saw him finish 11th after four rounds.

Our interview with the one and only @grantforrest93 after his first round. #GenesisScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/Z5ASXLOfKE

— East Lothian Courier (@elcourier) July 11, 2024

The last few golfers are currently completing their first round.

The competition continues tomorrow (Friday) and a champion will be crowned on Sunday night.