JACK Senior is the early pacesetter after the first round at the abrdn Scottish Open.

The tournament teed off at The Renaissance Club, near Dirleton, today (Thursday), with five of the top 10 golfers in the world taking part ahead of The Open Championships next weekend.

Thirty-two-year-old Senior was in impressive form on the opening day as he picked up seven birdies and failed to drop a shot for an opening round of 64 (seven-under-par).

However, the chasing pack, featuring several of the big names, is not too far behind.

Lee Westwood and Justin Thomas are just one shot adrift while nine golfers – including world number one Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and Ian Poulter – are on five-under-par.

Four Scotsman are on four-under-par with Grant Forrest among that group.

East Lothian Courier: Grant Forrest enjoyed a good start at the abrdn Scottish Open. Picture: Gordon BellGrant Forrest enjoyed a good start at the abrdn Scottish Open. Picture: Gordon Bell

The Haddington-based golfer was in impressive form in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open over the weekend and has continued that at his home tournament, alongside David Law, Connor Syme and Richie Ramsay.

Forrest picked up six birdies and will be looking to build on that in tomorrow’s (Friday) second round.

Rory McIlroy sits on one-under-par, while former Dunbar Grammar School pupil David Drysdale finished up one-over-par, alongside a host of golfers, including Henrik Stenson and Victor Dubuisson.

East Lothian Courier: East Lothian's David Drysdale is among those taking part in the competition at The Renaissance Club. Picture: Gordon BellEast Lothian's David Drysdale is among those taking part in the competition at The Renaissance Club. Picture: Gordon Bell

Forrest tees off tomorrow at 9.10am, with Drysdale not starting until 2pm.

The first round leader, Senior, tees off half an hour later.