NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Rory McIlroy began getting into the mood for the final major of the year by taking advantage of the par 5s at The Renaissance Club for a 5-under 65, giving him a four-way share of the lead among the early starters Thursday in the Genesis Scottish Open.Patrick Cantlay made a little noise in an otherwise quiet year for the American with five birdies in 10 holes and then a collection of tough par saves at the end that felt just as valuable. He also was at 65, along with Tom Kim and Bernd Wiesberger.Brooks Koepka was among those one shot behind.Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, was among those playing in the afternoon on a glorious summer day along the Firth of Forth.McIlroy holed an 18-foot eagle putt on the par-5 first hole — he started his round on No. 10 — to go along with a pair of birdies on the other two par 5s at The Renaissance Club. That made his round and his scorecard feel a little better.He has been away the last two weeks since a pedestrian performance in the U.S. Open, though the brand of golf doesn’t feel entirely different. Shinnecock Hills might be as close to links golf as any course in America. The Renaissance Club has the look of links, though it is not links turf.The real test is Royal Birkdale next week for the British Open.“I felt like I drove the ball particularly well, and I started to see that at Shinnecock, as well,” McIlroy said. “A contin …
