Rory McIlroy’s Frustration Over Scottish Open Greens: Insights from the Final Round
McIlroy’s Hot Mic Moment
Rory McIlroy’s performance at the Scottish Open was overshadowed by his open criticism of the course conditions, specifically the greens. Caught on a hot mic during his final round at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, McIlroy expressed his displeasure bluntly: “The greens are so s–t.” Despite this, the Northern Irish golfer managed a commendable second-place finish.
Strong Finish Amid Frustrations
While McIlroy struggled with the putting surface, he recorded a solid 2-under 68 in his last round. Chris Gotterup claimed first place with an impressive overall score of 15-under, finishing with a 4-under 66.
- Final Scores:
- Rory McIlroy: 2-under 68
- Chris Gotterup: 15-under
McIlroy’s Reflections
In retrospect, McIlroy stated: “I’m really happy with where my game is — the way I played over the weekend, the shots that I hit, how I controlled my ball flight.” He added, “It has been a great week. Missing the trophy, that’s about it.” However, McIlroy faced challenges in the latter part of the round, notably failing to make a birdie after the eighth hole.
Greens Draw Criticism from Others
McIlroy wasn’t alone in his frustrations. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler also voiced his anger over the greens. After a missed birdie putt on the 13th hole, Scheffler raised his arms in frustration, illustrating that other players shared McIlroy’s sentiments regarding the course conditions. Scheffler ultimately tied for eighth.
Gotterup’s Strong Performance
Chris Gotterup’s victory at the Scottish Open marked a significant milestone as he moved into the world’s top 50 for the first time. The native of Easton, Maryland, who played college golf at Rutgers and Oklahoma, noted that he felt like “the villain” during his round but managed to maintain his focus. “My goal was to hang in there tough,” he commented, reflecting on his performance.
Upcoming Events: The Open Championship
The spotlight now shifts to the Open Championship, set to take place at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland. This prestigious tournament runs from Thursday to Sunday, marking the final major of the golf season.
Key Takeaways
- Rory McIlroy finished second at the Scottish Open with criticism for the greens.
- Chris Gotterup won, placing him in the top 50 in the world rankings.
- Scottie Scheffler also shared frustrations over course conditions.
- The golf community eagerly anticipates the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
For more details on Rory McIlroy and his journey, check out his interview on The Guardian.
Stay tuned for updates on the Open Championship to see how these golfers will perform on one of the biggest stages in golf.