Rory McIlroy on Verge of Masters Form, Scottish Open Title in Sights
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We are just one round away from knowing the winner's name at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open, and major signs point to Rory McIlroy.
After a blistering Round 3 at The Renaissance Club, McIlroy shares the lead at 11-under with American Chris Gotterup, heading into the final day. And the 5-time major winner's confidence is just in the right place.
"I think I'm pretty close to being back to the level I was at going into The Masters," McIlroy said after carding 66 on Saturday.
"I've had a little bit of a lull, which I feel is understandable. So I'm just getting back to the level that I know I can play at."
That showed as the Grand Slam winner opened his Round 3 with a birdie at the par-5. But it was not smooth, Rory had to make that birdie on the 8th to bounce back from his bogey at the 7th hole.
NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - JULY 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 11th hole on day two of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2025 in North...
NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND - JULY 11: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 11th hole on day two of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland. (Photo by) More
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The best part was when the Northern Irishman added red numbers on the 10th, 14th, and the 16th hole where he hit a straight 173-yard shot from the sand.
It could have been even better if that bunker shot on the 15th had not bounced out of the cup.
"I felt like the conditions were tougher as the day went on, and the back nine played more difficult today than it did yesterday, at least for me.
A NEAR HOLE-OUT FROM THE BUNKER FOR RORY 😱 pic.twitter.com/BxyiN1H8Rs — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) July 12, 2025
"But I controlled my ball flight well and did what I needed to do, close on the last two holes as well. Overall happy with the day's work," he said.
McIlroy's last win came at Augusta National in April, where he broke his 11-year curse and secured the career Grand Slam.
At Renaissance, he's showing similar control, particularly on the back nine, where he's 10-under through 27 holes this week.
"To be back here for the last couple of weeks, and feel like I could actually digest all of it... I came to this tournament with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the rest of the year," the 29-time PGA Tour winner said.
If Rory wins this Sunday, it would be his 2nd Scottish Open title and 4th win of the season.
Additionally, he'll pocket a total of $1.575 million and earn 500 FedEx Cup points, moving strongly to next week's Open Championship.
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