Genesis Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy tied for lead with Jordan Smith, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bob McIntyre after second round | golf news

Rory McIlroy maintained a share of the lead among the competitive Genesis Scottish Open field with the world No. 2 title tied at nine-under with Jordan Smith and Tom Kim at the weekend.

but Scotty Scheffler’s tournament is already over after knocking out world no Missed the cut for the first time since August 2022, completing 78 consecutive weekend tournament appearances.

Scheffler shot two over to finish level and missed by two strokes, but McIlroy held on to win at The Renaissance Club ahead of next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

One of five players to share the lead at the end of Thursday’s play thanks to an opening-round 65, the Northern Irishman remained in the co-lead on Friday thanks to a second-round 66.

McIlroy was out on a second-day run of 31, this time courtesy of four birdies, before a bogey on the par-four 13th was immediately canceled out by a birdie on the 14th before returning to level-par 35.

Assessing McIlroy’s confirmed performance, Sky Sports Golf Wayne Riley said: “He played great golf, he really did.

“He did everything right. Missed it on the right side. The opening doors to the short game were great.

“Rory looks very dangerous. Not only for this great championship, but for the final major of the season.”

Korea’s Kim also has carded 65 and 66 so far, while England’s Smith has reached an early clubhouse lead for Friday’s best round of 63.

There are 12 players within two shots of the lead – and 37 within five.

Matt Fitzpatrick is one shot back at eight under after a round of 65 that included a run of five consecutive birdies on the back nine. Australia’s Min Woo Lee is on the same score.

Home favorite Bob McIntyre (66) is also in the hunt at seven under – the 2024 winner had a stirring finish with four birdies over the final six holes – with last year’s champion Chris Gutterup, who carded 65.

Aside from Schaeffler’s rare sighting below the final cut line, Ludwig Aberg, Xander Schaeffel and PGA Champion Aaron Rye all failed to make the weekend.

‘I’m in a great position’ – McIlroy ready to start weekend

Among the early starters on Friday, McIlroy was pleased with his score given the strong wind on the firm and fast-playing links course.

“I thought I played well again,” McIlroy said.

“The wind definitely picked up for us in the afternoon waves, and we got off to a really nice start.

“Then, at the turn, the wind picked up at its strongest and it felt like it was hard to get the ball to the pin. We were all making a lot of purses out there.

“It would have been nice to have a few better but it’s obviously another tough day and I’m in a good position for the weekend.”

The 37-year-old now feels well placed to seek a second Scottish Open title at the weekend.

“A lot of great players around the lead,” added 2023 champion McIlroy.

“Bob (McIntyre) rallied on that back nine to get himself in contention for the home contingent. It’s going to be a great weekend and excited for the opportunity.”

Who will win the Genesis Scottish Open? Watch the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues from 9am on Saturday on Sky Sports+. Get Sky Sports or Golf Stream with no contract.

When is the Open live on Sky Sports?

Sky Sports is once again the exclusive home of The Open in the UK and Ireland, with over 75 hours of live coverage across seven days of tournament week at Royal Birkdale.

Live coverage for each of the three practice days begins on Sky Sports Golf before wall-to-wall action kicks off from the final men’s major of the year at 6.30am on Thursday 16 July.

Sky Sports+ or The Sky Sports appWith extended coverage then starting at 9am on Saturday 18 July and 8am on Sunday 19 July

Who will win the 154th Open? Watch exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf from 16-19 July. Get Sky Sports or Flow without any contract.

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