Slow starter Mickelson looking for quick improvement

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Star attraction Mickelson, the world No2, could do no better than a levelpar 71 in the opening round to lie seven shots off the lead shared by Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Alexander Noren, of Sweden.

It was, perhaps, hardly surprising given the left-hander had not played competitively since the US Open almost a month ago, but the American was second on the same course last year and is keen to sharpen his game ahead of next week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

"I did not feel that far away from a round in the low 60s and if I can do that I can get back into the tournament," said the former US Masters champion.

"I know I am hitting the ball well, I just couldn't get the ball to drop but I fought hard to get it round near par.

"After a three-week lay-off I sometimes have trouble with my putting in the first round but I'm looking forward to getting on the pure greens early in the morning."

The same could not be said of world No6 Ernie Els, the South African also coming into the event after a lay-off but despondent after dropping two shots in his last three holes to card a 72.

"Right now I should not even play tomorrow, that's how I feel," said Els, twice a winner of the event and third last year.

"I played some good stuff and bad stuff and probably could have finished two under quite easily but it was tough."

After a 90-minute delay to the start of the day because of heavy rain, Noren was one of the last players to finish at 8.15pm and revealed the extent of his ambition to do well at Loch Lomond.

"Last time I remember crying after missing the cut, not because I played that bad but just because it's such a great course," said the Swede who will celebrate his 26th birthday tomorrow.

"I really wanted to play two more rounds, it's a different feeling than if you miss the cut somewhere else. "It's my favourite all year, just fantastic, and playing against all of these great players makes it special."

Noren, who has had three top-10 finishes this season, added: "It's been a long time since I was leading. I've had some good finishes but I've been coming up on Sunday from 20th to finish fourth or fifth. It's great to be in there from the beginning."