Genesis Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy on the charge to hold share of lead ahead of final round | Golf News
Rory McILroy put himself in pole position to win the Scottish open after having carded a fine of four sous 66 at 66 at the Renaissance Club.
Finding the form at the open open next week, the world number two landed five Birdies, and only one Bogey, to leave it on 11 under the tournament, and a part of the head of day overnight with the American Chris Gotterup, with just the final tour of Sunday to come.
The Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge in England are two shots after 69 sleeves, tied thirdly with the Americans Wyndham Clark and Jake Knapp.
McILroy won his first birdie on the third per-five before dropping a seventh shot. However, he rebounded by picking up a shot on the next hole before other birdies in the 10th and 14th par-first.
The Northern Irishman appeared in light in difficulty on the 16th per-five after a journey on the road ended with the gross depth. But a beautiful approach allowed him to roll in a Birdie putt on a straight rise.
He settled with another chance of Birdie at the following three only to see his wingly wide putt sail.
A perfect 340 yards t-shirt in the final hole put it again in the driving seat, but once again his birdie attempt rolled up beyond the hole.
However, the encouraging performance of McILroy – with clear signs of his return to his best – arrives at a crucial moment with the open to the Royal Portrush to follow next week.
McILroy finds a fair form at the right time
It also marks a significant improvement compared to the form of McILroy since he won the Masters in April to finish the Grand Slam.
And he said on Sky Sports: “This is my first realistic chance to win after the Masters.
“I had a great season but yes, and I already said that, when you do something that you dreamed of all your life, then doing it, it was a huge moment in my life and my career.
“I just need this little time, and to be back here in the past two weeks and digest all of this, I feel like I came here for this tournament with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the rest of the year.”
The world number 158 GotTerup has equaled the course record with nine birdies in a 61 without Bogey on Friday to start two light shots on the third day.
However, he will start the last day on level terms with McILroy following a level level tour with two birdies and the same number of bogeys.
Who will win the Genesi Scottish open? Look at the action of the weekend live on Sky Sports, with the cover of Saturday with features groups from 10 a.m. on Sky Sports + before full coverage from 2:30 p.m. Also on Sky Sports Golf From 3 p.m. No sky? Distribute the opening and more without contract.
