A year after being thwarted by a last-minute flourish from Rory McIlroy, Robert McIntyre has another chance to win his most coveted title at the Scottish Open.
MacIntyre shot 63 in the third round at Renaissance Club, the lowest score of the day in changeable weather and two strokes behind Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Oberg.
The Swede’s McIlroy followed successive rounds of 64 with a 65 to reach 17 under par, while MacIntyre is at 15 under and former world number one Adam Scott is one stroke back with a 64 to tie the local favourite. Defending champion McIlroy goes into the final round five strokes behind the leader after a frustrating third round 67.
Despite a three-putt bogey on the 18th hole, McIntyre’s brilliance never faded. The left-hander also recorded an eagle and seven birdies to take the lead in front of a rapturous hometown crowd. “The last hole is a tough hole in calm, downwind or against the wind, and it’s even tougher when the pin is on the high shelf,” McIntyre said.
“But overall I played really well. I was consistent from tee to green again and the putter was rolling great. I just had to let it happen and it did. I’ll be completely honest with you, the Scottish Open is my ambition. That’s my ultimate goal and I’ve said that since the start of the week. My ambition throughout my career is to have the Scottish Open on my record.”
“I just have to play golf and let it happen. I can’t force it. There are a lot of good players in the tournament chasing me. All I can do is control myself. So far I’ve been in very good control. 18 holes to go and I need to control myself more.”
McIlroy, ranked second in the world, felt he could have scored two or three strokes better for the third straight day, finishing the first 10 holes at four under par before finishing with seven straight pars and a bogey on the 18th hole.
“The birdies dried up,” admitted McIlroy, playing for the first time since narrowly missing out on a fifth major title at the U.S. Open. “I was hitting some good shots, especially the last few holes. I hit three eight-foot shots for birdie on 15, 16 and 17, but I didn’t make it and ended up with a bogey on the last hole.”
“So I think the last four holes I probably played the worst. It’s disappointing because I thought I could have been in the lead at 15 under. So it’s disappointing to lose one on the last hole.”
“But within three or four minutes [of the lead] “If I start well, at least I still have a chance. It’s another chance to play in a historic and very prestigious tournament and try to win it.”
McIlroy’s next chance to end a streak without a major win since his triumph in August 2014 is next week’s British Open at Royal Troon. He added: “It’s easy to stay patient because you know there’s a match up.
“It’s easy to stay patient because I know the attention is on me this week and ultimately next week, but I’m going to stay focused tomorrow and then go into next week.”
