Kim Ju-hyung shares Genesis Scottish Open first-round lead

Kim Ju-hyung shares the first-round lead at the Genesis Scottish Open, a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Kim carded six birdies and one bogey for a 5-under-par 65 on Thursday at Renaissance Club (par 70, 7,282 yards) in North Berwick, Scotland. He is tied at the top with Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Patrick Cantlay (United States), Bernd Wiesberger (Austria) and Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark).

Kim showed precise ball-striking and sharp putting despite the demanding coastal winds typical of Scottish links golf. He bogeyed the opening par-5 first hole after a wayward tee shot into the rough, but recovered to make six birdies over the remaining holes — back-to-back at the third and fourth, consecutive gains again at the sixth and seventh, and two more in a row at the 12th and 13th.

"I'm very happy with my score on the first day," Kim said in a post-round interview. "Links courses in Scotland always demand patience and a high level of concentration. My iron distance control was solid overall, and my putting held up well, which let me convert birdie opportunities steadily."

World No. 2 McIlroy posted a flawless round of five birdies and no bogeys to share the lead. He used his renowned length to attack the par-5 holes with ease and chipped close around the greens to keep his card clean.

"Renaissance Club is a course that puts me in a good mood every time I come here," McIlroy said. "Starting at 5 under gives me a lot of confidence."

Korean Australian Min Woo Lee opened with a 4-under 66 to sit one stroke back in a tie for sixth alongside Brooks Koepka and Kurt Kitayama, both of the United States.

Kim Si-woo is tied for 72nd after an even-par 70. Choi Seung-bin shot 1-over 71 to share 99th place, while Im Sung-jae, Lee Jeong-hwan and Ok Tae-hoon are grouped in a tie for 124th at 2-over 72, leaving all three in danger of missing the cut.