Rory McIlroy eyes overdue win after moving into share of lead at Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy put himself in pole position to win the Scottish Open after he carded a fine four-under par 66 at the Renaissance Club.

The world number two landed five birdies, and just one bogey, to leave him on 11-under par for the tournament, and a share of the overnight lead with American Chris Gotterup.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge are two shots back following rounds of 69, tied for third with Americans Wyndham Clark and Jake Knapp.

McIlroy landed his first birdie at the par-five third before dropping a shot at the seventh. However, he bounced back by picking up a shot on the next hole before further birdies at the 10th and par-three 14th.

The Northern Irishman appeared in slight trouble on the par-five 16th after a wayward drive ended in the deep rough. But a beautiful approach allowed him to roll in a straight uphill birdie putt.

He set himself up with another birdie chance at the following par three only to see his putt sail agonisingly wide.

A perfect 340-yard tee shot at the concluding hole put him in the driving seat once more, but again his birdie attempt rolled narrowly past the hole.

However, McIlroy’s encouraging performance – with clear signs of him being back at his best – comes at a crucial time with The Open at Royal Portrush to follow next week.

It also marks a significant improvement on McIlroy’s form since he won the Masters in April to complete the Grand Slam.

A moving day 66 to tie the lead for Rory ✍️#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/0hieB2hZPn

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 12, 2025

And he said on Sky Sports: “It is my first realistic chance to win after the Masters.

“I have had a great season but yes, and I have said this before, when you do something you that