Rory McIlroy put himself in pole place to win the Scottish Open after he
carded a tremendous four-under par 66 on the Renaissance Membership.
Discovering kind at simply the correct time forward of subsequent week’s Open, the world quantity two landed 5 birdies, and only one bogey, to go away him on 11 underneath for the event, and a share of the in a single day lead with American Chris Gotterup, with simply Sunday’s ultimate spherical to return.
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge are two photographs again following rounds of 69, tied for third with Individuals Wyndham Clark and Jake Knapp.
McIlroy landed his first birdie on the par-five third earlier than dropping a shot on the seventh. Nevertheless, he bounced again by choosing up a shot on the following gap earlier than additional birdies on the tenth and par-three 14th.
The Northern Irishman appeared in slight hassle on the par-five sixteenth after a wayward drive ended within the deep tough. However an exquisite strategy allowed him to roll in a straight uphill birdie putt.
He set himself up with one other birdie likelihood on the following par three solely to see his putt sail agonisingly vast.
An ideal 340-yard tee shot on the concluding gap put him within the driving seat as soon as extra, however once more his birdie try rolled narrowly previous the outlet.
Nevertheless, McIlroy’s encouraging efficiency – with clear indicators of him being again at his greatest – comes at a vital time with The Open at Royal Portrush to observe subsequent week.
It additionally marks a big enchancment on McIlroy’s kind since he gained the Masters in April to finish the Grand Slam.
And he mentioned on Sky Sports activities: “It is my first realistic chance to win after the Masters.
“I’ve had an important season however sure, and I’ve mentioned this earlier than, once you do one thing you’ve gotten dreamt of on your complete life, after which do it, it was an enormous second in my life and profession.
“I just need that little bit of time, and to be back here for the last couple of weeks and digest all of it, I feel like I came here for this tournament with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the rest of the year.”
World quantity 158 Gotterup equalled the course file with 9 birdies in a bogey-free 61 on Friday to begin the third day two photographs clear.
Nevertheless, he’ll begin the ultimate day on degree phrases with McIlroy following a level-par spherical that includes two birdies and the identical variety of bogeys.
Who will win the Genesis Scottish Open? Watch the weekend motion stay on Sky Sports activities, with Saturday’s protection underneath manner with Featured Teams from 10am on Sky Sports activities+ forward of full protection from 2.30pm. Additionally on Sky Sports activities Golf from 3pm. Not bought Sky? Stream The Open and extra with no contract.
