Olesen shoots 7-under 63, takes early lead at Scottish Open

GULLANE, Scotland - Thorbjorn Olesen birdied three of his last four holes to shoot 7-under 63 and take a two-shot lead midway through a low-scoring first round of the Scottish Open on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Dane rolled in seven birdies and was bogey-free around the links at Gullane on Scotland's east coast, a return to form after missing the cut in five of his last six events since losing a playoff for the Mauritius Open.

England's Matthew Nixon, Spain's Adrian Otaegui and American Jimmy Walker shot 5 under in benign conditions for the morning starters. Graeme McDowell, the 2008 champion, bogeyed the last two holes for 66 and a six-way share of fifth place.

Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson, the last two Scottish Open champions, were afternoon starters in the British Open tune-up.