Paul McGinley was singing a familiar tune as he turned in a one over par 71 on his Open return.

Back at a major for the first time since 2007, he was frustrated with his putting as he made just one birdie in a solid but unspectacular opening effort.

Badly lacking confidence in his game, McGinley said: “I played really well but that’s the story of my season so far. I am playing good golf but not turning it into a score.

"I hit the ball really well and made two bogeys and only one birdie and that’s my downfall. One birdie is not enough. I am not hitting the ball close enough and when I do I am not holing the putts.

“I had a lot of putts from 40 feet. Not many mistakes but not enough putts holed. My good golf is certainly not being reflected in my scoring."

McGinley bogeyed the third hole but bounced back with a birdie at the fifth to turn in level par.

But he simply couldn't get anything going on the back nine and mixed eight pars with a bogey five at the tough 14th.

A total of 31 putts told the story of his day and he will need to find some form with the blade to day if he is to make his to make the cut.