Rory McIlroy Maintains One Shot Lead at Genesis Scottish Open

McIlroy leads by one heading into a windy final round at the Scottish Open.

With a one shot lead heading into the final round at the Genesis Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy is in prime position to capture his 24th PGA Tour victory—but his first in Scotland—and his sharp form couldn’t have emerged at a better time. 

Next week McIlroy will head to Royal Liverpool for the 151st Open Championship, where he won in 2014. If he comes out on top tomorrow at The Renaissance Club, McIlroy will look to repeat history. 

The last time McIlroy won a major—nine years ago at the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club—he won on the PGA Tour the week prior at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. In his career, McIlroy has only won the week before a major in one other instance: He took home the RBC Canadian Open title last year ahead of the U.S. Open at Brookline, where he finished T5. 

If McIlroy emerges as the Scottish Open Champion on Sunday, he’d have the chance to end his major championship drought in a familiar fashion. 

On Saturday at the Scottish Open, McIlroy maintained his lead by posting a 3-under 67, with three birdies on his front nine, and a pair of birdies and bogeys for an even-par 35 on the back. The round helped him reach 13-under for the tournament, one stroke ahead of Tom Kim who will join him in the final pairing along with Tommy Fleetwood. 

“It was another really good round of golf. Very solid. I feel like I've left a few out there over the last couple of days, but at the same time, at least the last few holes, it was quite tricky conditions,” McIlroy said. “I played well. It's been a good three days and looking forward to obviously being in the final group tomorrow and seeing how my game holds up under that sort of pressure.” 

Right in the heart 💪@McIlroyRory extends his lead to two @ScottishOpen. pic.twitter.com/OD0wjs5QNS

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2023

McIlroy would have enjoyed a three shot lead if it weren’t for bogeys on the 12th and 15th holes, both of which resulted from missed putts inside eight feet.  

“I'm still in a really good position. As I said, I feel like I've left a few out there but I mean, it's hard to be disappointed when you're in the lead going into the final day. I'll certainly take it,” he said.

After his second round 66, McIlroy detailed how he’s improves his iron play as of late: He discovered an undisclosed swing thought at the Travelers Championship that has worked wonders for his approach game. 

Dialed in 👏@McIlroyRory knocks it close for another birdie @ScottishOpen. pic.twitter.com/HdKZIeADlZ

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 15, 2023

Although he didn’t go into detail about the change, McIlroy hopes to carry that feeling into Sunday’s final round, as well as next week for the final major championship of the PGA Tour season. 

But Sunday’s round will not come without its challenges. The North Berwick forecast calls for wind gusts of more than 40 mph, and tournament officials even moved up tee times to avoid some of the brutal playing conditions. 

“Just take it as it comes, really.” McIlroy said of the weather anticipated for Sunday. “It looks like it's going to be really, really windy, so just try and control my ball flight as best as I can. It's going to be tough for everyone, just have to remember that, and stick in and try to get it done.”