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Liberated McIlroy sets Scottish Open pace
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Published
Scottish Open first round (finishers only)
-5 R McIlroy (NI), P Cantlay (US), T Kim (Kor), B Wiesberger (Aut); -4 B Koekpa (US), MW Lee (Aus), M Thorbjornsen (US), K Kitayama (US), A Ayora (Spa), O Lindell (Fin)
Selected others: -3 R MacIntyre (Sco), W Clark (US); -2 C Gotterup (US), V Hovland (Nor); -1 X Schauffele (US); +1 S Lowry (Ire)
A reduced schedule has not dimmed Rory McIlroy’s fierce competitive instincts.
The Northern Irishman is being more selective with the events he plays and the Scottish Open marks just his third appearance outside majors since completing back-to-back Masters triumphs in early April.
But McIlroy revelled in his return to links golf by setting the target on day one at the Renaissance Club with a five-under 65, sharing the clubhouse lead with a trio of players including Patrick Cantlay.
McIlroy, who completed the career Grand Slam with his first Masters win last year, is refusing to allow complacency to seep into his mindset despite the lighter schedule.
“The benefits are seeing my family more, feeling like I have a bit more balance in my life,” the world number two said.
“And then the challenge is, I feel like even though I have played pretty sparsely over the past few months, the starts of my tournaments have all been really good. So it’s not like I’m coming in and starting slow, and the little bit of extra practice I think actually helps in some ways.
“One of the other benefits for me, I’m nearly 20 years into this, and I need to do everything I can to keep my enthusiasm as high as possible. Playing a lighter schedule definitely does that.
“It’s a very liberating feeling but again I can’t get complacent. I still need to set goals. I felt like the Grand Slam last year was the destination – and I realised it wasn’t. It’s a continuous journey.”
Starting on the 10th, the 37-year-old bookmarked his front nine with bogeys to reach the turn on one under.
He drained an 18-foot eagle putt on the par-five first and picked up further shots on seven and eight. A fine save from the sand on the par-three ninth completed a strong start to his bid to reclaim the title he won in 2023.
“For the most part, I played well,” McIlroy said.
“At this stage of my career, I really enjoy coming back here to play. It reminds me of why I started to play the game in the first place; links golf courses and the crowds are incredible, and the crowds next week at The Open will be amazing as well.”
‘Kettle’ MacIntyre keeps calm
Brooks Koepka, on his return to the Scottish Open after an 11-year absence, was one shot off the lead alongside 2021 champion Min Woo Lee on four under.
US Open winner Wyndham Clark recovered from a wretched start – three over through four holes – to post a 67.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood were among the afternoon starters.
Home favourite Robert MacIntyre, playing alongside McIlroy and defending champion Chris Gotterup (68), was pleased with a “very solid” 67 as well as keeping a lid on his temper.
MacIntyre mixed five birdies with two bogeys on the sun-drenched links in East Lothian.
“Everyone knows that I’m like a kettle, always boiling away, ready to erupt,” said MacIntyre.
“When life is good off the golf course, that’s one part, and it’s going on the golf course and being able to accept [bad moments] – my biggest thing is acceptance. Everyone is the same. If you can accept the bad, you probably won’t play many bad rounds of golf.”
