Rory McIlroy has won the Scottish Open for the first time in his career with a sensational birdie-birdie finish at the Renaissance Club.
On a blustery day in North Berwick, McIlroy soon let slip his spot at the top of the leaderboard as a number of contenders moved themselves into first place at different stages.
Tom Kim, Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre all appeared on course for victory at one stage, particularly the latter who made an eagle and three birdies on the back nine.
The Scot reached the clubhouse looking well positioned to at least force a playoff, only for McIlroy to birdie the 17th and 18th holes to edge out the home favourite.
.@McIlroyRory wins in Scotland for the first time in his career 🏆#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/wnWufLN8sZ
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 16, 2023
McIlroy initially rolled in a putt from five feet to bring him back onto level terms before holing a 10-footer on the last to end his wait for success in Scotland.
Although MacIntyre will be disappointed to finish as runner-up, a sublime 64 had got him into that position, a birdie on the last heaping the pressure on the chasing pack.
Such was the conditions on Sunday that MacIntyre finished four shots clear of third place with Scottie Scheffler, An Byeong Hun and David Lingmerth all ending the tournament in that position.
Kim, Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood were among five players who completed the top 10, Kim having only been able to shoot a 73 despite starting the day in second spot.
Darren Plant
