Rory McIlroy rebounded from his US Open disappointment to make a strong start in defending his title at the £7million Genesis Scottish Open.
Competing for the first time since narrowly missing out on his fifth major title at Pinehurst, McIlroy shot a five-under-par 65 at the Renaissance Club, positioning himself just one shot behind clubhouse leaders Max Kieffer and Li Haotong.
Where eagles dare
The world number two made an eagle with a chip-in on the third hole, his 12th of the day, and recorded five birdies, although he missed good opportunities on three of his last five holes.
“I hit a couple of shots over the first few holes that I haven’t seen in practice over the last 10 days, so it was a bit of a reminder that golf isn’t as easy as sometimes I think it is,” McIlroy said with a smile.
Watch Rory launch a 427 yard bomb during the opening round
Feel good factor is back
“But then I really started to feel good. Especially on the front nine, our back nine, I started to hit some good drives, some good iron shots.
“I gave myself plenty of chances on that back nine and actually felt like I left a couple out there as well. Overall, a good start, especially after the scrappy start over the first six or seven holes.”
McIlroy briefly held a two-shot lead with five holes to play in the US Open but bogeyed three of the last four, missing from two feet and six inches on the 16th and three feet and nine inches on the last to finish a shot behind Bryson DeChambeau.
US Open memory deleted
“I’m not going to let three or four holes cloud my judgement in terms of how good I’m playing,” the 35-year-old added.
“It wasn’t just the US Open. I played well at the Canadian Open and at Memorial and the US PGA and Quail Hollow. My game has been in good shape and it was in good shape coming in here.
“It’s just a matter of going out there and focusing on the task at hand and not letting your mind wander too much. I felt like I did a good job of that today.”
McIlroy’s Victory at the Scottish Open Last Year
https://worldwide.golf/tour-news/mcilroy-wins-genesis-scottish-open/
Last year, McIlroy clinched victory at the Genesis Scottish Open with a stunning final-round performance. He shot a six-under-par 64 on the last day, finishing the tournament at 18-under-par. His final round included an eagle, five birdies, and just one bogey, securing a two-shot victory over the runner-up. This victory marked his first win at the Scottish Open and added another prestigious title to his illustrious career.