DENMARK'S Nicole Broch Larsen is the earlier pacesetter at the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.

The tournament, which teed off this morning (Thursday), is being played at The Renaissance Club, near Dirleton, for the second consecutive year.

The 27-year-old sits on -4 with a number of golfers still out on the East Lothian course.

Home favourite Catriona Matthew will be hoping for a better second day when she returns to the course tomorrow (Friday).

East Lothian Courier:

The two-time winner of the tournament bogeyed the opening two holes before pulling one stroke back on the fourth hole.

However, two more bogeys on the front nine left her on +3 at the halfway stage of the opening round.

A bogey on the 15th was immediately followed by a birdie to leave the North Berwick golfer on +3 after the first round.

That leaves Matthew tied for 78th place, alongside one of last year's runners up Moriya Jutanugarn.

At the top of the leaderboard, Broch Larsen is one shot ahead of five other golfers.

Azahara Munoz, Amy Olson and Jennifer Song have all completed their rounds and sit on -3.

Joining them are Olivia Cowan and Emily Kristine Pedersen, who both have five holes left of their opening round.

Gemma Dryburgh, the leading Scottish golfer, sits one shot further back in a four-way tie for seventh place.