MANY of the world’s best golfers will tee off today (Thursday) as the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open gets under way at The Renaissance Club.

Thousands of fans are expected to flock to East Lothian’s Golf Coast between today and Sunday as the competition heats up.

Among those taking part are four-time Major winners Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els, Scotland’s last Major champion Paul Lawrie and former world number one Justin Thomas.

Brandon Stone, who won the tournament at nearby Gullane Golf Club 12 months ago, is joined by Rickie Fowler, who lifted the title at the same club in 2015.

Action gets under way at 7.30am with Joakim Lagergren, Oliver Wilson and Scott Henry taking to the course.

North Berwick’s Grant Forrest also has an early start as his bid for the title begins at 7.50am alongside Matthieu Pavon and Andy Sullivan.

Former Dunbar Grammar School pupil David Drysdale tees off at 12.50pm alongside Andrew Johnston and Erik Van Rooyen, with McIlroy and Fowler playing alongside Robert MacIntyre from 1.40pm.

The final round of the day tees off at 2.30pm with Steven Brown, Ben Evans and Justin Walters taking to the course.

The Pro-Am was played at the course yesterday (Wednesday).