Genesis Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy on the cost to carry share of lead forward of ultimate spherical

Rory McIlroy put himself in pole place to win the Scottish Open after he
carded a effective four-under par 66 on the Renaissance Membership.

Discovering kind at simply the appropriate 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 match, and a share of the in a single day lead with American Chris Gotterup, with simply Sunday’s last 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 selecting up a shot on the subsequent 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 a wonderful strategy allowed him to roll in a straight uphill birdie putt.

He set himself up with one other birdie probability on the following par three solely to see his putt sail agonisingly large.

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 opening.

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 comply with subsequent week.

It additionally marks a big enchancment on McIlroy’s kind since he received the Masters in April to finish the Grand Slam.

And he stated on Sky Sports activities: “It’s my first lifelike probability to win after the Masters.

“I’ve had an excellent season however sure, and I’ve stated this earlier than, if you do one thing you’ve gotten dreamt of in your entire life, after which do it, it was an enormous second in my life and profession.

“I simply want that little little bit of time, and to be again right here for the final couple of weeks and digest all of it, I really feel like I got here right here for this match with renewed enthusiasm and pleasure for the remainder of the yr.”

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 approach 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 received Sky? Stream The Open and extra with no contract.