Adam Scott says he benefited from playing alongside sweet-swinging leader Rory McIlroy in the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Adam Scott's decision to leave his driver out of his bag to avoid temptation has paid dividends in a strong start at the PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida.

The Australian benefited from his grouping with fellow former world No.1 Rory McIlroy - a pairing of two of the tour's most admired swings - as he shot a four-under 68 at Bay Hill to be tied fifth, three shots behind the Northern Irishman.

His round included five birdies, two on par 5 holes, despite going without a driver after seeing how penal the rough was.

"Trying to hit fairways," explained Scott.

"If you look at my driver stats, accuracy is not its best thing. Distance is fine, but accuracy is not good.

"If it's not in the bag, it's not a temptation."

Scott admitted he fed off playing alongside McIlroy, who had six birdies and an eagle in his 65 to take a two-shot lead after the first round.

"I like playing with Rory. I really enjoy watching him play," Scott said.

"He's a guy I can watch play and get positive swing thoughts for myself.

"Generally, he can lift my level of golf, especially when he's playing the way he did today."

Asked if he felt the lack of a driver alongside the long-hitting McIlroy, Scott said: "No because I know better than to get into a big-hitting contest with Rory McIlroy."

But would he put the driver back in his bag for the second round?

"I don't know, I have got to think about whether I will do it tomorrow or not."