Genesis Scottish Open Final Round: McIlroy and Gotterup Share the Spotlight
McIlroy’s Comeback Sets the Stage
The Genesis Scottish Open is gearing up for a nail-biting finish as Rory McIlroy and Chris Gotterup stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the top with just one round left to play. If you’ve been following McIlroy this season, you know he’s had to shake off a lengthy dry spell after the Masters. But now? He looks every bit the player who’s lifted trophies in front of roaring crowds. He fired a sizzling 4-under 66 in Saturday’s third round at The Renaissance Club, showing off the kind of accuracy and calm that has defined his career when he’s at his best.
The Scottish Open hasn’t always been kind to McIlroy, but this year it feels different. Just a quick rewind: in 2019 at Royal Portrush, McIlroy’s dreams fizzled out with an early exit at The Open. That memory is still fresh, and he’s made it clear that redemption is on his mind, especially with The Open returning to Northern Ireland soon. He’s talked about how stepping away from the grind helped him reset, and right now that renewed focus is plain to see in every shot he takes.
Gotterup’s Breakout Moment
The other surprise story? Chris Gotterup. He may be a new name for a lot of fans, but this week, the American has found himself right in the thick of it, matching McIlroy hole for hole over three days. Before this, Gotterup’s career was more promise than proof, with plenty of close calls and "what ifs"—so having a legitimate shot at a major event like this could be a real turning point for him. Nothing like the pressure of a final round to see what a newcomer is made of, especially with a winner’s list here that reads like a who’s who of world golf: Xander Schauffele, Robert MacIntyre, and, of course, McIlroy himself.
The Renaissance Club has given fans plenty to cheer about since it joined the calendar as a co-sanctioned event in 2022. The course’s rolling fairways and unpredictable winds have made for some tense moments and edge-of-your-seat endings. Add the presence of heavyweights like Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa this year and you’ve got a field as stacked as any on either the PGA TOUR or DP World Tour.
With McIlroy’s recent surge and Gotterup’s raw hunger, Sunday promises fireworks. The tournament has built a reputation for last-minute drama, and the final round is set to be no different. Whether you’re backing the favorite or pulling for the underdog, this is one finish you won’t want to miss.