Scotland’s Paul Lawrie shot a five-under-par 67 to lead the Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles after the first round.

Aberdeen-born Lawrie, seeking his first title since winning the Wales Open in 2002, did not drop a shot all day and holed a 40-foot eagle putt on the long ninth.

The 40-year-old is fighting to save his European Tour card after ten years of exemptions following his Open triumph at Carnoustie in 1999.

Lawrie was 97th coming into the tournament and needs to be in the top 115 in November to save his card and has sought the help of three-time major winner Padraig Harrington’s coach Bob Torrance.

"I get up at 4.30 am to avoid the Glasgow traffic and be there for 7.30 am and then we have 4½ hours hitting balls before I go home,” said Lawrie.

“I'm hitting more balls and swinging in my room to get the feeling and it feels fantastic.

“It's been too long since I won - I've always wanted to work with Bob, but I think it's the right time now."