American Luke List led the Scottish Open after a course record-equalling seven under par on Thursday, with compatriot Rickie Fowler and England's Lee Westwood among a group of five players lurking one stroke behind.
Rickie Fowler shot a 6-under-64 to take an early lead on the opening day of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
The 29-year-old, who won the Scottish Open in 2015, started quickly and was 5 under after eagling the par-4 sixth. Fowler's only dropped shot of the day came at No. 13 and the American parred his remaining five holes.
But it was List, making only his seventh appearance on the European Tour, who fired nine birdies and two bogeys to reach the clubhouse in 63.
World number three Justin Rose, the highest-ranked player in the event that serves as a warm-up for next week's British Open at Carnoustie, carded a 67 while five times major champion Phil Mickelson was on level par.
"I think this is probably the best preparation you can get," said Fowler.
"Carnoustie is probably a bit firmer and faster than here right now, but this place could dry out over the weekend.
"It's great to be over here playing on similar ground, feeling how much the wind affects the ball, and just getting acclimatised."
Englishman Robert Rock, Swede Jens Dantorp and Spaniard Scott Fernandez all join List at the top of the leaderboard. Neither Rock or Dantorp dropped a shot during their rounds while Fernandez birdied three of the final four holes to join the leading group.
With only one week to go until The Open at Carnoustie, the field at Gullane Golf Club was packed with big-name players aiming to step up their preparations.
Justin Rose had an eventful front nine that included a run of four consecutive birdies and eventually finished 3 under.
Defending champion Rafa Cabrera Bello had a difficult day, while Phil Mickelson made three birdies but dropped as many bogies on his way to an even-par 70.