Rory McIlroy won the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday, July 10, with a score of 14-under par. This was McIlroy's first-ever win in Scotland and he becomes the first play to win the Scottish Open, Irish Open and The Open.
McIlroy started the day with a 1 shot lead, but after a poor start he finished the front 9 2 over and the lead had changed many times. When it came to the final few holes it was down to the local favourite Bob MacIntyre and Rory. MacIntyre was a few holes ahead of Rory and knowing that he would probably need a birdie on the last he hit a poor tee shot that was heading to the thick rough. He got rather fortunate that the ball finished on the walkway that the spectators had created but then produced one of the best shots on the year. He made the birdie meaning Rory was 1 shot behind with 4 to play.
The par 5 15th was Rorys best chance to make a birdie but he failed to hole the putt. He gave him self another chance at 16 but missed that as well. It was looking like another poor round with the putter was going to cost Rory as it has done over the last year. He stood on the 200yard par 3 17th knowing he needs at least 1 bridie in the next 2 holes and the last hole was 444 yards playing dead into a 20mph wind. Rory hit a great tee shot on 17 and holed it meaning a par up the last would force a playoff.
Rory hit a good drive up the last and followed it with a great second, the ball finishing around 10 feet from the hole. With the whole crowd probably wanting him to miss he holed it. A huge cheer went up as everyone appreciated what he had just achieved, even if it was to beat the home favourite.
McIlroy's win was a major boost for his confidence ahead of the 151st Open Championship, which will be held this week at Royal Liverpool. He won his only Open title at the same course in 2014 and will head into the week as favourite.
It was great to see Robert MacIntyre play so well coming into the Ryder Cup, his 64 on the last day was a truly amazing round in such tough conditions. Congratulations must go to Byeong Hun An and David Lingmerth, who tied for third place and claimed a spot in this weeks Open.
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