Following his US Open disappointment, Rory McIlroy made a stellar commencement while defending his Genesis Scottish Open title. This competition marked his first re-entry since his heartbreaking near-miss of a fifth Major title at Pinehurst. McIlroy managed a five-under-par 65 at the Renaissance Club, placing him a shot behind joint leaders Max Kieffer and Haotong Li.
World number two, McIlroy accomplished an eagle on hole three, his day’s 12th hole, along with five birdies, although he lost promising opportunities on three of his final five holes. McIlroy remarked with a grin how a few initial hole shots reminded him that golf isn’t as straightforward as he sometimes presumes it to be.
From disappointment at the US Open to a remarkable start at the Scottish Open, McIlroy have made a bounce back strong. He felt more confident, particularly on the first nine holes of their back nine, landing excellent drives and iron shots. Despite leaving a few missed chances on the back nine, he was happy with his overall start, particularly considering the shaky beginning over the initial half-dozen or so holes.
McIlroy was leading with a two-shot lead in the US Open with only five holes remaining, but missed short putts on the 16th and on the last, ending up a shot behind Bryson DeChambeau. The 35-year-old remained unfazed, insisting that he would not let a handful of holes distort his perspective on his game. Emphasising his recent good form at the Canadian Open, Memorial, the US PGA and Quail Hollow, he affirmed that his game was in excellent condition heading into this tournament.
The concept involves fully focusing and avoiding mental distractions, a strategy that McIlroy believes he applied effectively today. Joining him with a score of five under par was Ryder Cup teammate, Tommy Fleetwood, who was thrilled to reunite with his long-time caddie, Ian Finnis, following his recovery from heart surgery earlier this year.
Fleetwood profoundly enjoyed a round which consisted of five birdies and no bogeys, in Finnis’ first week post-recovery. He highlighted the success of the round was largely due to Finnis whose decision making was as if he had never been absent.
Meanwhile, Séamus Power achieved a one-under 69 as he competes for one of three available spots at next week’s Open Championship in Troon. Moreover, Pádraig Harrington, who previously won the Open Championship twice, started off with a level-par 70.