SWINDON'S David Howell hit two eagles during his opening round to sit three-under at the Scottish Open this morning.

After a double bogey at the fourth in Aberdeen, Howell responded with a birdie at five before the first of his eagles at the sixth. The second came at the 12th with the Broome Manor man recording par at all the remaining holes.

At the time of writing Howell sits tied for seventh, four shots back from leader Rory McIlroy, with a host of players still out on the course.