Rory McIlroy -9 heads into Saturday of Genesis Scottish Open three shots behind -12 leader Ludvig Aberg
Ludvig Aberg -6 started his second round at the 10th hole and reached double figures due to a front nine of -4. The 24 year old achieved birdies at three and five to reach -12. Aberg’s -6 on Friday was his 14th round of 64 or lower since 2023 RBC Canadian Open. “It's been very nice. I felt like we've had a very good game plan and executing the shots”, said Aberg.
Antoinne Rozner had a final round to forget at recent Italian Open but has bounced back quickly especially with shooting a bogey free second round of 64. Rozner -11 has a big weekend ahead of him especially with three Open Championship places up for grabs and not yet in Royal Troon field. Matteo Manassero had a spectacular couple of days on Thursday & Friday achieving 14 birdies and one eagle. Manassero is on -10 tied third with Sungjae Im.
Rory McIlroy is playing his first competition since US Open disappointment at Pinehurst and opened up with a -5 round of 65. McIlroy was a part of Friday’s Markee group playing at 01:43PM with Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. Northern Irishman shot a front nine of -3 that included birdies at the first, third and fifth hole. McIlroy shot a back nine of -1 and signed for a -4 round of 66. “It's two solid scores to open the tournament and obviously right into the mix going into the weekend”, said McIlroy.
Alejandro Del Rey only got into the field due to Sebastian Soderberg withdrawing and Spaniard started Friday’s round with six sensational birdies in a row. Del Rey continued to impress on the back nine to shoot a remarkable round of 62. Morikawa brought his improved game to Scotland especially with shooting a second round of 66. Morikawa, McIlroy, Del Rey, Rasmus Hojgaard, Alex Noren and Sahith Theegala are all in a tie for fifth on -9. The home Scottish crowd are urging MacIntyre on as he goes into Saturday four shots behind Aberg. Day one -8 leader Thomas shot a disappointing day two 72 and will start Saturday -6.