Chris Gotterup may have stolen the Friday headlines with a jaw-dropping 61 at the Genesis Scottish Open, but don’t be surprised if the big names start flexing their muscles on Moving Day — and you know who is lurking. Yep, Rory’s in the rear-view — and gaining fast.
After briefly nabbing the lead on Friday morning with a sizzling 65, the World No. 2 sits just four shots off Gotterup’s pace at seven under par. It wasn’t all cruise control for the Northern Irishman, but despite a few loose tee shots and a late dropped shot, McIlroy’s right in the hunt as he sets his sights on a serious weekend charge.
“It was a bit of a flyer to start,” said McIlroy. “Conditions were benign early and I took advantage. Scrambled well. Definitely in the mix — which is right where I want to be.”
And when Rory smells blood on a links course? Strap in.
Lighting Up The Scottish Fans
Gotterup, the 25-year-old former college star who won in Myrtle Beach earlier this season, delivered a flawless round of 61 that included a front-nine 29 and a monster 45-footer early on. The American may be new to Scottish galleries, but he’s already got them buzzing.
Behind him, Harry Hall is flying the Cornish flag at nine under, while Fitzpatrick, Åberg, and Marco Penge are all primed to pounce at eight under.
Matt Fitzpatrick is seeing his changes since the RBC start to pay off — “just fine-tuning now,” he says — while Åberg’s putter caught fire in that dangerous 15-to-25-foot range. And keep an eye on Marco Penge, soaking up every moment of his Scottish Open debut alongside top-50 company.
Still, it’s McIlroy who feels like the storm brewing.
The fairways are firm, the breeze is up, and Rory’s just a few clicks away from lighting up Renaissance once again. Expect flags to be peppered, long irons to soar, and the leaderboard to get a serious weekend shake-up.
Moving Day, McIlroy-style? Don’t bet against it.!
