Byeong-hun An dominates the Genesis Scottish Open with a course record 61

Byeong-hun An showcased his remarkable skills on the first day of the Genesis Scottish Open, matching the course record with a bogey-free 61.

The South Korean golfer established a commanding two-shot lead over his closest competitors, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Thomas Detry from Belgium. American Davis Riley made a valiant effort in the afternoon, but An's outstanding performance remained unrivalled in this Rolex Series event.

An's round was a birdie bonanza, as he gracefully recorded nine birdies throughout his flawless display. Speaking about his fantastic start to media afterwards, An expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I couldn't play any better. I drove it well, hit it well, chipped it well, and putted well. That's a clean scorecard."

An's success at the DP World Tour is well-documented, with a notable victory at the 2015 BMW PGA Championship, propelling him to a seventh-place finish in the Race to Dubai and earning him the prestigious Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award. Additionally, his experience playing in eight Open Championships and his triumph on the European Challenge Tour have further enhanced his versatility and comfort on the links.

"It's great," An remarked with enthusiasm. "I feel like I'm back home. This is the Tour where I started my professional career. It's been great coming back and playing links golf; definitely, it's nice."

The South Korean golfer emphasized his affinity for links golf, highlighting the strategic challenges it presents. "It's different than the courses we play in the US. You just have to land it in different spots. I really like it, and as long as the weather is nice, and I prefer warm weather, but a links course, I feel comfortable."

An's exceptional performance was marked by his ability to consistently position himself for birdie opportunities. His iron play was particularly impressive, leading to a string of four consecutive birdies from the 13th hole. His round was also characterized by brilliant putting, with several crucial shots sinking into the cup.

Davis Riley showcased his own skills by matching An's bogey-free performance, finishing the day at seven under with a solid 63. Trailing closely were Thomas Detry and Rory McIlroy, both at six under, while K.H. Lee from South Korea and Yannik Paul from Germany showed strong performances, sitting two shots off the lead.

The Genesis Scottish Open promises an exciting weekend ahead, as An's early lead sets the stage for an intense battle among the world's top golfers. With his exceptional form and evident comfort on the course, An is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with as the tournament progresses.

Scotland's Ewen Ferguson led the home challenge following a four-under-par 66, with world number one Scottie Scheffler two strokes further back.

Defending champion Xander Schauffele had to birdie two of his last four holes to return a level-par 70.