Rory McIlroy made a strong comeback at the Genesis Scottish Open with an opening-round 5-under 65, tying for third place after the morning wave. His day started with a birdie on the par 5 10th hole, followed by birdies on Nos. 14 and 16 for a 1-under 34 going out. After the turn, McIlroy continued his impressive performance with a birdie on his 10th hole (the first hole), an eagle chip-in on the third green, and a fifth birdie on No. 4. Despite missing a few birdie putts on the back nine, he was satisfied with his overall performance and felt confident in his game.
In addition to his strong start at the Scottish Open, McIlroy also shared his thoughts on Keegan Bradley being named the United States Ryder Cup captain for the 2025 games at Bethpage Black. He expressed surprise at the appointment, considering Bradley’s age and lack of experience compared to previous captains. However, McIlroy acknowledged Bradley’s knowledge of Bethpage and passion for the Ryder Cup, highlighting the unique choice made by the U.S. team. The European players were also surprised by the appointment, with a sense of disbelief in the room upon hearing the news.
Despite taking a three-week break from competitive golf, McIlroy’s game seemed unaffected as he delivered a solid performance at the Scottish Open. He attributed his success to feeling good in practice leading up to the tournament and maintaining confidence in his abilities. McIlroy reflected on his previous performance at the U.S. Open, where he fell short of victory due to a late stumble, but remained optimistic about his game moving forward. His consistent play and strong start at the Scottish Open indicated that he was back in form and ready to compete at a high level.
The Genesis Scottish Open served as a platform for McIlroy to showcase his skills and bounce back from his previous setbacks on the golf course. After a disappointing finish at the U.S. Open, where he narrowly missed out on the title, McIlroy’s performance at the Scottish Open demonstrated his resilience and determination to compete at the highest level. His ability to regroup and deliver a stellar opening round highlighted his talent and potential as a top contender in the world of golf. With a solid start to the tournament, McIlroy set himself up for success and positioned himself well for the remainder of the competition.
As the defending champion at the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy faced high expectations and pressure to perform at a high level. His strong start to the tournament not only met but exceeded those expectations, showcasing his skill and composure under pressure. McIlroy’s ability to execute under challenging conditions and deliver a standout performance on the course further solidified his status as a top player in the world of golf. With his eyes set on victory, McIlroy’s determination and focus were evident in his play at the Scottish Open, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.