Rory McIlroy (69), Adam Scott (74) have vastly contrasting starts at Australian Open

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy watches his chip shot during the first round of the Australian Open golf championship in Sydney, Australia Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. McIlroy shot a 2-under 69. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) (The Associated Press)

Australia's Aron Price plays from a bunker during the first round of the Australian Open golf championship in Sydney, Australia Thursday, Nov. 27, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft) (The Associated Press)

SYDNEY – Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott weren't paired together for the first two rounds of the Australian Open because organizers wanted to split their marquee players among morning and afternoon groups for the spectators and television.

After Thursday's opening round, they're also at opposite ends of the scoreboard.

McIlroy teed off in overcast conditions early Thursday and finished with a 2-under 69 just as Scott was beginning his round — and not very well at that.

Scott's tee shot on the first went into the woods and he made double-bogey as he shot 74 at The Australian Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman was two strokes behind first-round leader Jordan Spieth and tied for fourth. Scott was in 82nd place and will need a good round Friday to make the 36-hole cut.