Els was in scintillating form on Thursday

Open champion Ernie Els proved he is back to his best, firing an impressive seven-under-par 64, in the opening round at Loch Lomond .

Swindon's David Howell was two behind on five under and Phillip Price, winner of last week's European Open, a further stroke back on 67.

Despite his round being interrupted by a four-hour rain delay, Els reeled off seven birdies in a flawless round.

The interruption in action meant 45 players are still waiting to complete their first rounds after play was suspended at 2130 BST.

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"I feel I'm quite sharp and I feel it's coming back," said Els.

"The things I'm working on are coming through and I'm looking at good things to happen over the next couple of months."

Starting at the 10th, Els picked up shots on 13, 14, 15 and 18 before birdies at the first, sixth and seventh consolidated his position at the top of the leaderboard.

SCOTTISH OPEN LEADERBOARD -7 E Els (Rsa) -5 D Howell -4 P Price, T Price (Aus), P O'Malley (Aus), M Maritz (Rsa), B Rumford (Aus)

The only glitch in the South African's round came at the par-five third when a wayward drive meant he was literally bent double under a tree to play his second shot, before holing a 15-foot putt for par.

Phil Mickelson might have wished for some of Els' composure at Loch Lomond as he carded a dismal first round of five over par.

After a late start, the world number eight dropped four shots in the space of two holes and, despite three birdies, he could not rescue his round.

Home favourite Colin Montgomerie settled for a par 71 after an up-and-down round.

The Scot did well to recover at the third hole after his approach shot ended up on a small beach on the edge of the loch.

Also out of luck on day one was defending champion Eduardo Romero, who finished one over par.

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American Jay Don Blake shot a six-under-par 64 to take the first round lead on Thursday.

Blake carded his best opening round of the season to lead Kirk Triplett by a stroke.

Japan's Shigeki Maruyama, Joel Edwards, Jerry Kelly, Brett Quigley and Kenneth Staton all lie two shots off the leader on 66.

Defending champion Jeff Sluman shot a two-over-par 72.

Blake made five birdies on the front nine to take the lead after an indifferent start on the back nine.

"I just had to keep focus and then I had a birdie at the twelfth," said Blake.

"I started to hit a lot of greens and was trying not to get too aggressive. I played well and felt comfortable."