Graeme McDowell is four shots off the round one lead

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are four shots behind the leaders after the opening round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

McIlroy carded an opening round of four-under-par 68 at St Andrews and McDowell the same score at Kingsbarns.

Both players recorded six birdies and two bogeys in their opening 18 holes.

Darren Clarke is level after a 72 at Kingsbarns, where Padraig Harrington had a five-under 67, while Ross Fisher and Soren Hansen lead on eight under.

They are one shot ahead of Martin Kaymer, with all three players having played at Kingsbarns.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie fired a two-under-par round at Carnoustie and Damien McGrane a one-under 71.

Paul McGinley was one over at Kingsbarns and Gary Murphy two over.