Paul Lawrie makes strong start at The Open to go -5 at Royal Lytham

Paul Lawrie is hoping for a repeat of his 1999 success.SNS Group

Paul Lawrie has established himself as an early contender at The Open after shooting a 65 on his opening round at Royal Lytham.

The Scot, who made his name by lifting the Claret Jug in 1999, had an early tee-time and posted a score that is likely to place him among the leaders overnight.

After a steady start on Thursday morning, Lawrie birdied the third, fourth and fifth in succession to move to the top of the leaderboard.

A long putt from the back of the green saved par on the sixth but a missed putt on the seventh let an opportunity to move further ahead slip by.

Lawrie’s only bogey of the day came next after the Scot had to find his way out from a bunker but he recovered to make steady progress through the next five.

The magic returned with back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 and Lawrie made par on 16 and 17.

A birdie on the last meant the Aberdonian carded five under and would be well placed to tackle the leaders on day two.

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