Rory Finds His Rhythm, Wins Genesis Scottish Open

The PGA TOUR/DP World Tour vs. LIV Golf battle has been particularly difficult on Rory, who was “forced” into being the player spokesperson against the alternative league, only to be blindsided by the very unexpected announcement that the three leagues would be merging.

While Rory’s play suffered due to the off-course distractions, it seems that he’s returning back to form now that the merger is (for the time being) a foregone conclusion.

And it seems like Rory’s performance is peaking just at the right time—the week before the 2023 Open Championship (Royal Liverpool Golf Course, July 20-23).

Despite very difficult conditions, including a storm that forced moving the final round tee times up, Rory birdied the final two holes (-15) for a come-from-behind victory over Robert MacIntyre (-14).

While Rory’s driver continues to be one of his greatest weapons (as was the case at the Scottish Open these past few days), his short game has repeatedly let him down. But it seems that he’s finally found a rhythm with all fourteen clubs in his bag, including his putter, which happily surprised him on the 72nd hole.

.@McIlroyRory wins in Scotland for the first time in his career 🏆#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/wnWufLN8sZ

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 16, 2023

Links golf is very different from traditional parkland golf that the significant majority of American golfers are familiar with; the exposure to the elements, natural undulations, firm playing conditions, and strategically-placed pot bunkers rejects bomb-and-gouge golf strategy and, instead, demands creativity and precise shot control. Rory, notably, is one of few golfers who can dominate in both arenas, as demonstrated by his grit-and-grind performance during the less-than-ideal conditions.

And Rory’s resurgence could not come at a better time; facing a 9-year Majors drought, Rory seems to be rising while current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler—who was also competing in the Scottish Open—is fading. Indeed, Scottie’s performance—which has been superhero-level since winning the 2022 Masters—this weekend reminded us that he is, in fact, human, posting one of his worst tee-to-green performance and overall finishes since this spring.

When Tiger isn’t in the field, Rory is one of the fan favorites. And given everything he’s been through this year, it’s apparent that he’s going to be a fan favorite this year at Royal Liverpool—where he dominated (-17) the 2014 Open Championship for his third Major title.

Cover Image Via Twitter