Paul Lawrie admits that he had more than his fair share of good luck after a strong start to his Open campaign.

The Aberdonian ended the day at five under, just one shot behind leader, Australia's Adam Scott.

Lawrie, who won the tournament in 1999, believes that a strong early start helped him on his way to such a good opening day.

The 43-year-old said: "It was probably the strangest start of my career, the first six holes.

"I didn't really hit many good shots and I was three under.

"I chipped in twice and holed it from off the green. We get enough bad luck so it is nice when it goes your way now and again.

"Obviously after that I hit some really nice shots, played some solid golf, and ended up with a good score."

Lawrie was particularly pleased to make par on the sixth, after his drive went deep into the rough.

He said: "When you hit it where I hit it off the tee you are kind of accepting a five in your mind, so it is not a bad thing to get it back in play and give yourself a chance and hole a nice putt.

Lawrie is tied in second place with Nicolas Colsaerts and Zach Johnson, with Brandt Snedeker one shot further behind.

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