Frustrating day for Rory McIlroy at Scottish Open sees him five shots off the lead
MacIntyre’s Redemption Arc: A Dramatic Showdown at the Genesis Scottish Open
A year after Rory McIlroy’s dramatic last-minute triumph, Robert MacIntyre finds himself with another chance to seize the title he desires most at the £7 million Genesis Scottish Open.
MacIntyre fired an impressive third-round 63 at the Renaissance Club, the day’s lowest score in unpredictable conditions, trailing Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg by just two shots. Aberg, who had posted consecutive rounds of 64, followed up with a 65 to reach 17 under par. MacIntyre stands at 15 under, with former world number one Adam Scott just one shot behind after carding a 64 alongside the local favorite.
Defending champion McIlroy enters the final round five shots off the lead after a frustrating third-round 67. Despite a three-putt bogey on the 18th, MacIntyre’s day shone brightly with an eagle and seven birdies, thrilling the partisan home crowd.
“The last hole is tough, no matter the conditions,” MacIntyre reflected. “But overall, I played brilliantly. From tee to green, I was solid, and I putted beautifully. I’ve just got to let it happen, and it happened today.”
MacIntyre has been vocal about his desire to win the Scottish Open. “I’ve said it from the start of the week – the Scottish Open is the one I want. It’s my career goal. I just need to play my game and let it unfold. There are many great players chasing me, but I can only control my own game, and so far, I’ve done that well. I have 18 more holes to keep that control.”
McIlroy, on the other hand, felt he could have been a few shots better off. The world number two covered his first 10 holes in four under but then made seven straight pars and a bogey on the 18th. “The birdies dried up,” McIlroy admitted. “I hit good shots, especially towards the end, but I didn’t convert my chances and made bogey on the last. It’s disappointing because I could have been right up there. But I’ll be within striking distance if I start well tomorrow. It’s another chance to win a prestigious tournament with a rich history.”
Looking ahead to next week’s Open at Royal Troon, McIlroy remains optimistic. “It’s easy to stay patient, knowing my game is there. I have one eye on this week and one on next week. I would love to head into next week after getting myself into contention tomorrow.”
Aberg initially responded well to MacIntyre’s charge with birdies on the first, third, sixth, and 10th but bogeyed the 11th and 12th, falling two shots behind. However, he rebounded with a long-range birdie on the 13th and further birdies on the 16th and 17th to reclaim the lead. “It wasn’t the most stress-free round, but it was a good score,” Aberg said. “I played well and hit the shots I wanted, despite the bogeys. When you play a 72-hole tournament, you can’t be perfect all the time. I’m pleased with how I finished. A putt like the one on 13 gives you a boost, and I’m looking forward to the final round. It looks like I’ll be paired with Bob, which will be cool.”
As the Genesis Scottish Open reaches its climax, all eyes are on MacIntyre, McIlroy, and Aberg, each vying for glory in what promises to be an unforgettable finale.
