Defending champion Rory McIlroy heads into the final round of the Scottish Open five shots off the lead after a frustrating third round of 67.
One year after McIlroy thwarted the hopes of local favorite Robert MacIntyre with some impressive last-minute plays, the Scottish golfer finds himself in a strong position to secure the coveted title.
McIlroy has now completed his third consecutive day feeling as though he could have improved his score by two or three shots. The world number two started strong, scoring four under par in his first 10 holes, but then had a series of seven pars followed by a bogey on the 18th hole.
McIlroy confessed that the birdies had disappeared, as he competes for the first time after narrowly missing out on his fifth major title at the US Open.
I was hitting some great shots, particularly on the final few holes. I had three 8-foot putts on 15, 16, and 17 for birdie that I unfortunately missed, resulting in a bogey on the last hole.
The last four holes were probably my weakest, which is a shame because I felt like I had a chance to be near the top, possibly at 15-under and contending for the lead. It’s disappointing to let one slip away on the final hole.
I aim to stay within three or four strokes of the lead, giving myself a chance to contend if I start well. This tournament presents another chance for me to compete for victory in a highly esteemed event with a rich history.
MacIntyre posted a 63 in the third round at the Renaissance Club, the best score of the day in unpredictable weather, putting him two shots behind Ryder Cup colleague Ludvig Aberg.
Aberg continued his impressive form by carding a 65 after two rounds of 64, bringing him to 17 under par. MacIntyre is close behind at 15 under, while former world number one Adam Scott is one shot back after a solid 64 played alongside the home favourite.
Despite a three-putt bogey on the 18th, MacIntyre’s day remained bright as he also scored an eagle and seven birdies, thrilling the home crowd.
MacIntyre mentioned that the final hole presents a challenge, regardless of the weather conditions or the placement of the pin on the top shelf.
He also stated, “However, my overall performance was exceptional. My tee shots and approach shots were consistent, and my putting was exceptional. I just need to stay focused and let my game flow naturally.”
I’ve been very vocal about it – the Scottish Open is my ultimate goal. I’ve made it clear since the beginning of the week. Having the Scottish Open on my resume for my entire career is my dream.
I must head out to play golf and allow things to unfold naturally. I cannot push it, as there are numerous skilled players in the tournament trying to catch up with me. I can only manage my own actions, and I have done so successfully up to this point.
I have 18 holes to exercise even greater self-control.
McIlroy will have another opportunity to break his major drought at the upcoming Open at Royal Troon. He mentioned, “I can stay patient because I know my game is there.”
“Easy to stay patient knowing that there’s one eye on this week and ultimately one eye on next week, too.
“But I would love to go into next week after getting myself right into the thick of things tomorrow.”
Aberg initially responded superbly to MacIntyre’s charge with birdies on the first, third, sixth and 10th, but bogeyed the 11th and 12th to find himself two behind.
However, the world number four then holed from long range for birdie on the 13th and picked up further shots on the 16th and 17th to reclaim the lead.
Aberg mentioned that it wasn’t the most relaxing round of golf, but he still managed to achieve a good score. He missed the cut in the Scottish Open last year, which was only his fifth event as a professional.
I believed that I was performing well. I was successfully executing the shots I intended to, but unfortunately, I ended up with a bogey on the 11th and 12th holes. However, such setbacks are to be expected in a 72-hole golf tournament. It is impossible to be flawless at all times.
I’m happy with how I persevered and completed the game. When a putt like that goes in on 13, it gives you a little extra confidence, I suppose. I’m excited for the last round.
It seems like Bob and I will be playing together, which should be a fun match.
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