The 43-year-old Scot had failed to break 70 in his five previous appearances in the first major of the year - the last of which came in 2004.

But the 1999 Open champion is enjoying an Indian summer in his career and is now back in the world's top 50 after winning the Qatar Masters in February.

Lawrie's round would have been even better had he not bogeyed the final hole, his second blemish of the day after he had three-putted the long eighth for a bogey six.

However, he will take away the memory of two superb eagles - his first on the course - at the 13th and 15th.

He drained a 10-foot putt for a three at the par-five 13th and then chipped in for an eagle at the par-five 15th before adding a birdie at the 440-yard 17th.

"Overall, the back nine - not many times you have two eagles in nine holes. Disappointing on 18, got a bit unlucky but three-under overall, it's a very good start," he said.

"The greens are in fantastic condition and rolling pretty well. This course is all about the speed and patience and I struggled with that on the front nine but then I got into it in the back nine.

"I am a better player now than I was 10 years ago, no question. I drive the ball night and day better than I used to drive the ball. I hit a lot more fairways and a bit longer, too."