Rory McIlroy is your joint leader at the Scottish Open and he’s sent what could be a worrying message for the rest of the field ahead of the final round.
McIlroy clambered up onto -11 to go level with Chris Gotterup at the summit and he’ll be paired with Gotterup and Wyndham Clark on Sunday as he looks to win out.
For McIlroy, the slump and seemingly a lack of interest in the game he suffered after his Masters win has been obvious.
McIlroy himself admitted he’d not quite been at it since that win at Augusta and recently, he took a bit of down-time to reset and come back for the Scottish Open.
Now, with another Scottish Open win possible, McIlroy has been explaining his thought process and admitted that taking breaks is actually really good for him.
Rory McIlroy explains why he needs breaks from golf
A fully invested and motivated Rory McIlroy is the best golfer in the world on his day and it’s little surprise to see him in contention around Renaissance Club.
Right now, he looks like he’s going to sew the tournament up with ease and if he plays well, he will win.
Indeed, seemingly back on song with his golf and media duties, McIlroy explained just why he’s feeling so much better.
“It was a bit of a slow start but hit a few good shots and one into ten and then felt like a good bit of momentum to end the round with,” McIlroy said.
“It’s the chicken and the egg right? I am more relaxed. It’s been nice to get over here for a few weeks and get back to something more like home. It’s not ‘home home’, that’s next week, but it has been nice to get back, see familiar faces.
“I took a good ten days off from golf which I felt was needed and I think when I do that I come back with a little more enthusiasm for practice and I’m able to get back into it more.”
Rory McIlroy winning in Scotland is perfect for The Open
He might have finally won The Masters in 2025 but winning The Open at Royal Portrush would put the icing on the cake for McIlroy and his career.
This performance in Scotland was just what he needed and if he can get over the line and seal the win, then it puts him an ideal spot for next week.
Nobody will want to take on an in-form McIlroy at his home course and right now, he’s looking back to his very best.
Could we finally get Scottie Scheffler v Rory McIlroy? Right now, it’s looking more likely than ever.
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