Englishman Lee Westwood was tied for fourth with South Africa's RetiefGoosen on two-under after they shot 70 and 71 respectively on the testing, 7, 204-yard links course.
Many pundits are also tipping Sweden's Henrik Stenson, the world number eight, South Africa's two-time US Open champion RetiefGoosen and compatriot Ernie Els, both twice Masters runners-up, as lively challengers.