Scott stumbles, Spieth surges on day one of 2014 Emirates Australian Open

All eyes, and bookie favourtism were on Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott ahead of the opening round of the 2014 Emirates Australian Open.

But only Rory McIlroy held up his end of the bargain.

The world number one shot a solid 2-under par in the morning, to give himself a shot of defending his Australian Open title. And while he played some good golf, McIlroy felt as though he left a few shots out on the course.

But Scott wasn’t so accommodating.

After a horrendous double-bogey on the first hole where he over-shot the green from the green-side bunker, Scott made the turn at 5-over par with more bogey’s at the 3rd, 6th and 9th holes.

A couple of birdies on the back nine made the score look respectable but it was a dejected Scott who made his way to the driving range after his round to sort out a few swing issues.

It was Jordan Spieth, the world’s number 14 ranked player who stole much of the limelight on day one.

Spieth, who finished 2nd at the 2014 Masters Tournament, found played the first hole at The Australian Golf Club in three fewer shots than Scott.

An opening birdie was followed by a second at the fifth and when he rolled in three consecutive birdies on the back nine, Spieth held a two shot advantage on the field.

A drop shot at 17, followed by a missed birdie putt on the closing par-5, meant Spieth closed for an impressive 4-under 67 that could’ve been a lot lower.