Rory McIlroy said that he’s “looking forward” to the weekend at the Genesis Scottish Open, which is vital for his Open Championship hopes
McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, hasn’t been able to recapture his form from Augusta since securing the career grand slam, but McIlroy was able to “hide” after returning to Europe and looks back to his best.
He is in touch with the leaders in Scotland and shot a solid 65 on Friday’s action. The Northern Irishman explained why he is looking forward to the weekend’s action.
Rory McIlroy says he is ‘in contention’ for the win at the Genesis Scottish Open
McIlroy finished Friday four shots off the lead, after Chris Gotterup tied the course record at the Renaissance Club by shooting 61.
When asked if he’s shaken off the rust after not playing in three weeks, he said, “[Shaken off] most of it. There were still a few loose shots in there, but for the most part, it was a good day.
“I holed a lot of putts. I did most things pretty well. So yeah, it was a good day for that, getting into contention and then seeing how your game holds up when you’re in the thick of things, trying to win a golf tournament.”
McIlroy, who is preparing for The Open Championship at his home course, Royal Portrush, said that the best preparation for a Major is competing deep into weekends and seeing any holes in your game are exposed.
He said, “That tells you a lot more about where you are than just the first two days of a tournament.
“In contention going into the last two days, and that’s where, if there is anything you need to work on in your game, it’s going to show when you’re under that sort of pressure trying to win a golf tournament. I’m looking forward to that.”
Refreshed Rory McIlroy looks happy to be home
It has not been happy sailing since McIlroy won the Masters. It was expected that a weight would be lifted off his shoulders, but that hasn’t been the reality for the Northern Irishman.
He has been chippy with the media and has not been attending press conferences. At the US Open, he said he was “frustrated” when he was singled out about a controversy with his non-conforming driver, while other players such as Scottie Scheffler also had issues.
His mood was reflected in his game. McIlroy has not won since Augusta, finishing tied for 47th at the PGA Championship and 19th at the US Open.
But McIlroy seems visibly more relaxed in Europe. He admitted that it was refreshing to escape the scrutiny of the PGA Tour, and that has been reflected on the course. A win this weekend would truly throw him into serious contention for The Open Championship next weekend.