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Rory McIlroy breaks course record to lead Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy breaks the course record at Royal Aberdeen with a 64 on the first day of the Scottish Open.

Rory McIlroy broke the course record at Royal Aberdeen on Thursday to earn a one-shot lead in the Scottish Open after 18 holes.

The Northern Irishman, who is looking for his second European Tour success of the year, hit top form midway through his opening round by carding six birdies in eight holes to storm up the leaderboard.

A solitary bogey prevented him from reaching eight-under-par, but his round of 64 hands him a slight edge over Kristoffer Broberg.

The Swede was included in the first group of the day, and his 65 was a new course record until McIlroy's display later in the afternoon forced him to settle for second place alongside Ricardo Gonzalez ahead of round two.

Luke Donald is in contention thanks to a round of four-under, while defending champion Phil Mickelson is a shot further back.

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Luke Donald of England hits a shot during a practice round prior to the start of the 95th PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on August 7, 2013
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