Rory McIlroy is in great shape on -5 after day one of Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy -5 is in a tie for eight with Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood, , Corey Conners, Alex Noren and three shots behind -8 leader Justin Thomas. Thomas shot an incredible bogey free round of 62 which included a -5 front nine of 30. Thomas’s nearest challenger is -7 Sungjae Im due to shooting a remarkable round of 63. Superstar sensation Ludvig Aberg continued to impress especially with an opening 64 and in a tie for third on -6.
McIlroy is a part of a world class field for DP World Tour Rolex Series Genesis Scottish Open that also includes major champions Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Wyndham Clark. “The way I've described Pinehurst on Sunday was like it was a great day until it wasn't”, revealed by McIlroy on Wednesday 10th of July. McIlroy is the defending champion of Genesis Scottish Open at Renaissance and Thursday was his first tournament round in three weeks. The Northern Irishman started the par 70 layout at o8:28AM on 10th hole with Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre. McIlroy’s front nine of 34 shots included three birdies and headed to first tee -1. “I think it was a bit of a slow start, sort of up-and-down”, said McIlroy.
The four-time major champion started his back nine in superb style especially with a birdie at one to reach -2. Renaissance has three par fives which includes the 600 yard third hole and McIlroy jumped to -4 with a chip in eagle. “I just needed to hit a little bump and let it pitch on the fringe and run down to the hole”, said McIlroy. 2023 Genesis Scottish Open champion followed up his eagle at three with a sensational birdie at four to reach -5. McIlroy was unsuccessful with a couple of birdie efforts and finished his round with five straight pars to shoot an impressive 65. “I give myself plenty of chances on that back nine and actually felt like I left a couple out there. Overall, a good start”, said McIlroy.
Three Open Championship places are up for grabs at Renaissance. Seamus Power is playing in his first Genesis Scottish Open and in search of a place for The 152nd Open Championship. Power’s first round of -1 included playing the back nine in 33 shots. Tom McKibbin equalled Power with an opening 69 and is also on -1. Padraig Harrington got off to an exceptional start with playing holes 10 to 13 in -2 but ended up shooting level par.