Finland’s Mikko Ilonen fired an opening 65 on a day where the South Africans struggled at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

The five-time European Tour winner arrived at Dundonald Links for the fourth event of the Rolex Series off the back of four missed cuts, and with just four sub-70 rounds all season. But Ilonen showed all his class on the Ayrshire coast to get to seven-under and make an excellent start in the hunt for a share of the $7-million prize fund.

World No 10, Rickie Fowler, was then in a group of six players at five-under alongside fellow American Paul Peterson, three-time Major Championship winner Padraig Harrington, English duo Ian Poulter and Callum Shinkwin, and Australian Andrew Dodt.

World No 4, Rory McIlroy, the highest-ranked player in the field in the final dress rehearsal for next week’s Open Championship, continued his indifferent form with a two-over 74.

McIlroy now faces an uphill battle to avoid a third missed cut in four events. Despite saying he felt ‘close’ to his best ahead of this week’s Rolex Series event, McIlroy suffered similar problems to the ones he experienced during last week’s early exit in Northern Ireland.

Thomas Aiken, with a three-under 69, led the South African challenge, tied for 14th and five shots off the leader.

Brandon Stone signed for a level-par 72, Hennie Otto, Richard Sterne and Justin Walters had 73s, Haydn Porteous and Darren Fichardt 74s, Branden Grace a 75, Trevor Immelman and Dylan Frittelli posted 76s, Dean Burmester struggled to a 77 and George Immelman had only Darren Clarke behind him as he slumped to an opening 79.

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