Scottish Open 2026: Scotty Scheffler misses first cut in four years as Rory McIlroy leads

With a five-way lead in the first round, McIlroy was four behind early starter Smith in the afternoon.

The number two star in the world quickly made up for that deficit with four birdies in the opening eight holes. His lone drop shot came at the 13th after an errant drive, but he made amends immediately.

“Once we turned for home the wind picked up to be the strongest for the day and it was hard to hit it close, quite a lot of crosswind,” McIlroy said.

“I felt like I did well to hang on. Maybe one or two could have been better but overall it was a good day.”

Patrick Cantley dropped from co-leader to miss cut overnight. Ludwig Aberg and Brooks Koepka also failed to advance to the weekend, while Jon Rahm shot a 65 to drop him to two under.

In contrast to Scheffler’s troubles, playing partner Fitzpatrick thrived to move into one of the leads. He is eight under with 2021 Scottish Open champion Min Woo Lee.

Fitzpatrick, chasing his fourth win of the season, laid the foundation with five consecutive birdies at the 11th – his second hole – to charge up the leaderboard with a 65.

“It just feels like I’ve done everything pretty hard,” Fitzpatrick said. “I feel lucky enough to have a lot to say this year.”

“That kind of stretch from March, February until now, it’s definitely the best golf I’ve played in my career.”

Three consecutive back-nine birdies helped home hero Bob McIntyre to a 66 that left him two over.

Smith, world number 82, benefited from the recent break as he outplayed the big names in the shortest rounds of the day.

“I had three weeks off, put the clubs away for a week and then came back active and looking forward to this next stretch,” he said.

“Things are looking good. I’m in a good mental place and have to keep going.”