Rory McIlroy has rounded off his preparation for the year's final major in ideal fashion, winning the Scottish Open in dramatic fashion this afternoon.
The Holywood native held a one-shot lead going into Sunday's final round, although it looked like he would come up short for much of today. Robert MacIntyre produced a sensational round and led for most of the afternoon, with McIlroy finding himself one shot behind going into his final two holes.
However, he certainly produced when called upon.
Having sunk a magnificent birdie putt on the 17th, he went into his final hole knowing that a second consecutive birdie would be enough to claim the tournament.
He delivered in dramatic fashion, producing a scarcely believable approach shot before sinking the resulting putt to claim the top prize.
Ridiculous approach on 18 from @McIlroyRory 👀
He’ll have a good look at birdie for the win @ScottishOpen. pic.twitter.com/BlSgIMGVrC— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 16, 2023
Rory McIlroy wins the Scottish Open! 🏆🏴 pic.twitter.com/Qvr6aXD77Z
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 16, 2023
Rory McIlroy in jubilant mood after winning Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy's struggles to get over the line in major tournaments has been well publicised in recent years, failing to win one of golf's flagship events since 2014.
His victory in Scotland will now give him plenty of confidence heading into The Open next week, especially when you consider the way he delivered on those final two holes.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said that his approach shot on the 18th was probably the best shot he has hit all year.
That was such a tough day, so tough, especially on the front nine. I bogeyed my last two holes on the front nine to go two-over...
To play that back nine four-under to win the tournament, I'm just really proud of how I stuck in there. I hit some great shots down the stretch and was able to finish it off with a really nice putt there.
It feels incredible. It's been a long six months I feel since I won in Dubai, I've given myself tonnes of chances. Hopefully this win breaks the seal for me, especially going into next week as well...
I was right between 4 iron and 2 iron, I took my 3 iron out at the start of the week and it probably was a perfect 3 iron. 4 iron was only getting to the front edge the green, with the 2 iron I had to cut it and get it up into the wind a little bit.
It came off absolutely perfectly. It's probably the best shot I've hit all year, it was exactly the way I wanted to play it. When you hit a shot like that, I feel like I deserved that putt to finish it off.
The victory was certainly well deserved.
Rory McIlroy will hope to carry this form into The Open, with pressure continuing to mount as he seeks to end his long major drought. All the pieces are in place for him to do so next week.
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