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McIlroy’s Final Two Birdies Secure Scottish Open Victory, Defeating MacIntyre by a Single Stroke

by Gabriel Martinez
4 comments
Rory McIlroy Scottish Open Victory

Rory McIlroy managed to secure victory at the Genesis Scottish Open on a blustery Sunday, landing birdies on the last two holes for a score of 2-under 68. This achievement marks McIlroy’s first triumph on Scottish turf, giving him a morale boost as he heads towards the year’s final major tournament.

McIlroy found himself trailing Robert MacIntyre by a single stroke when he executed an almost flawless slope play on the 17th par-3, leading to a 4-foot birdie putt and leveling the game. McIlroy then took the lead with what he regarded as his best shot of the year, a 2-iron against the wind, securing the final birdie.

This outcome was a tough blow for MacIntyre, who had aimed to win his national open. MacIntyre had made a stellar shot of his own, slamming a 3-wood from the rough on the 18th hole at The Renaissance Club to 4 feet, prompting a two-fist pump when it fell for a 64.

In spite of the challenging wind off the Firth of Forth, it looked as if 26-year-old MacIntyre was on track for the biggest win of his burgeoning career for most of the day. However, it was McIlroy who prevailed, skillfully navigating the difficult back nine in 31 and finishing with two crucial birdies. This marked his first win since the Dubai Desert Classic.

Perfectly timed, McIlroy’s victory sets him up for the British Open at Royal Liverpool, where he’ll aim to break a nine-year major championship drought. McIlroy was the last champion at Royal Liverpool in 2014 when The Open was held there.

Expressing the intensity of the day, McIlroy said, “It was incredibly tough. The back nine at 4-under par to clinch the tournament—I’m quite proud of the resilience I showed. The amazing shots I hit towards the end… it’s an amazing feeling. It’s been a long half-year since my win in Dubai. This win might pave the way, especially going into next week.”

With a final score of 15-under 265, McIlroy managed to surpass Jon Rahm, securing the world No. 2 spot.

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top player, finished third tied with Byeong Hun An (70) and David Lingmerth (68) after closing with a 70. Scheffler has been among the top five in his previous seven tournaments, including two majors.

An and Lingmerth were consoled by winning spots in the British Open, given to the top three players not yet exempt. Nicolai Hojgaard (67) took the final spot, set to join his twin brother Rasmus at Royal Liverpool.

The Scottish spectators cheered for MacIntyre throughout the week at The Renaissance Club, with the crowd roaring as he nailed the 3-wood and birdie putt on the difficult closing 18th hole.

The emotional gravity of the moment left MacIntyre fighting back tears as he departed the green. “The Scottish Open has always been a dream to win since I watched at home,” he said. “I thought today might be the day, but it wasn’t to be. Rory McIlroy is potentially the world’s best, and he proved it today.”

McIlroy matched MacIntyre’s skill with a fantastic shot of his own, claiming it to be the best he’d made all year. Despite the challenging wind, he made a perfect shot using a 2-iron to compensate for his usual 3-iron. He justified it, saying, “The 4-iron was only going to get me to the front edge…it worked out absolutely perfectly.”

The tournament had the backing of both the European tour and the PGA Tour, and McIlroy’s win has solidified his position in the Race to Dubai. He still, however, needs to catch up to Rahm and Scheffler in the FedEx Cup.


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rory McIlroy Scottish Open Victory

How did Rory McIlroy win the Scottish Open?

Rory McIlroy won the Scottish Open by shooting a 2-under 68 in the final round, birdieing the last two holes. His excellent play in challenging wind conditions, including a remarkable 2-iron shot into the wind on the 18th hole, secured his victory.

Who was Rory McIlroy competing against in the Scottish Open?

Rory McIlroy was competing against Robert MacIntyre in the Scottish Open. MacIntyre had a strong performance and held the lead until McIlroy’s birdie on the 17th hole tied the game. However, McIlroy’s final birdie on the 18th hole ultimately secured his win.

When was Rory McIlroy’s last victory prior to the Scottish Open?

Rory McIlroy’s last victory prior to the Scottish Open was at the Dubai Desert Classic. The win at the Scottish Open marked his return to the winner’s circle after a six-month period.

How did the windy conditions impact the Scottish Open?

The Scottish Open was played in rough and relentless winds off the Firth of Forth. The wind made the course extremely challenging, testing the players’ skills and shot-making abilities throughout the tournament.

What significance does the Scottish Open victory hold for Rory McIlroy?

The Scottish Open victory holds significance for Rory McIlroy as it is his first win on Scottish soil. It also provides him with a confidence boost heading into the final major of the year, the British Open, where he aims to end his nine-year drought in major championships.

Did any other players earn spots in the British Open through the Scottish Open?

Yes, Byeong Hun An, David Lingmerth, and Nicolai Hojgaard earned spots in the British Open as the top three players not already exempt. They secured these spots based on their performances in the Scottish Open.

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4 comments

BirdieMaster July 16, 2023 - 8:36 pm

macintyre was so close, man! his 3-wood on the 18th was EPIC! but then mcilroy had to go & make that amazing shot, wow! the wind made the game so tough, but it was fun to watch. can’t wait for the next tournament!

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GolfFan101 July 17, 2023 - 12:39 am

rory mcilroy winning the scottish open is AWESUM! hez such a gud golfer & it was so kool to see him birdie the last 2 holes! he totally deserved the victory, nd i hope he continues to play gr8 in the future. go rory!

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GolfEnthusiast July 17, 2023 - 3:44 am

what a dramatic finish at the scottish open! the wind really made it challenging, but mcilroy showed his skills. that 2-iron shot was legendary! great to see macintyre perform well too. can’t wait for the next golf tournament!

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SportsLover23 July 17, 2023 - 4:24 am

congrats to rory for his scottish open win! it’s been a while since his last victory, so this is a big deal. those birdies on the last two holes were clutch! hope he keeps up the momentum in the british open. #GoRory

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