NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — In a shocking comeback on the Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy, the celebrated golfer from Northern Eire, claimed victory with back-to-back birdies on Sunday, securing his first tour title since October by a single stroke.
It has been a difficult 12 months for McIlroy, who has confronted quite a few trials and controversies, together with the PGA Tour’s partnership with Saudi-backed LIV Golf, which drew criticism from the golfer. Regardless of sturdy performances in latest tournaments, together with a runner-up end on the U.S. Open, a tour victory had eluded the 34-year-old in 2023.
His triumph on the Scottish Open, a match co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, marked his twenty fourth win on the PGA Tour and a historic achievement, stories si.com. McIlroy turned the primary golfer to win the British Open, the Irish Open, and the Scottish Open, solidifying his place in golf historical past. Presently ranked third on this planet, McIlroy goals to hold his newfound momentum into the British Open, the ultimate main of the 12 months, commencing on Thursday at Royal Liverpool.
Reflecting on his victory, McIlroy expressed aid and confidence, stating, “I’ve had just a few close to misses lately, so crossing the end line and gaining this enhance of confidence going into subsequent week and the remainder of the season is monumental.”
All through the match, McIlroy remained in rivalry, constantly showing close to the highest of the leaderboard. Nonetheless, he started Sunday’s last spherical trailing Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre after enduring a difficult begin with 4 early bogeys. MacIntyre held a two-stroke lead over McIlroy after 15 holes, however an important bogey by the Scottish golfer on the par-5 sixteenth and a birdie by McIlroy on the 14th introduced them again on equal footing.
In an exhilarating finale, MacIntyre regained the lead with a birdie on the 18th, eliciting cheers from the native crowd. His distinctive shot from the tough, adopted by a profitable putt, resulted in a exceptional 6-under-par 64. However, McIlroy denied the 26-year-old rising star a signature victory.
Good so as to add one other Nationwide Open to the CV. Unbelievable week in Scotland. Can’t wait to return again subsequent 12 months. @ScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/3N0c8MCVYh
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) July 16, 2023
With a share of the lead after a birdie on the seventeenth gap, McIlroy approached the 18th gap with dedication. His exact strategy shot, using a 2-iron, landed simply 10 toes from the outlet, leaving him in a good place. McIlroy described the shot as the most effective he has ever performed in his profession. Targeted and composed, he sank the next putt, describing his mindset as “taking within the scene and making an attempt to not overthink it.”
Ending the match with a complete rating of 15-under 265, McIlroy celebrated his first worldwide victory because the Dubai Desert Traditional in January. The triumph on the Scottish Open not solely signifies his return to type but additionally supplies a big enhance forward of the extremely anticipated British Open.
As {the golfing} world turns its consideration to the British Open, McIlroy’s latest success positions him as a robust contender to assert one other main championship. With renewed confidence and momentum, the gifted golfer goals so as to add to his illustrious profession and etch his title additional within the annals of golf historical past.