Hovland recovers after slow start

After an early bogey, Hovland recovered with three birdies to end the day two under par in North Berwick. The Norwegian struggled with his putting throughout the round, playing eight consecutive holes on par before his first birdie. Several players currently share the lead with a three-shot advantage over Hovland.

This tournament marks Hovland's first since his PGA Tour victory in late June, which came in a playoff against world number one Scottie Scheffler. Countryman Kristoffer Reitan had an inconsistent opening round, finishing one over par with three birdies and four bogeys. tbzikra.com