Clarke and McGinley lead Irish challenge in Scotland

Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are among an eight-strong Irish contingent at the Scottish Open, which teed off at Loch Lomond this morning.

Eight of the world's top 20 golfers are also among the field, with South African duo Ernie Els and Retief Goosen considered the favourites to clinch victory.

Els has won the event twice before, while Goosen was victorious in 2001.

Elsewhere, fellow South African Tim Clarke will be defending his title, while world number nine Sergio Garcia will also be pursuing valuable Ryder Cup points.