Rory McIlroy staged an impressive comeback in the final moments, overcoming Robert McIntyre to secure a thrilling triumph at the Scottish Open.
The 34-year-old Irishman secured a one-shot victory over home favorite MacIntrye after sinking four birdies in his last eight holes, including the final two, to finish with a final round 68 to top the leaderboard at 15 under at The Renaissance Club.
McIlroy had to better the total set by McIntyre who posted a six under 64 in the final round to finish on 14 under but McIlroy denied the Scot to gain his second victory of the year and much needed form ahead of the Open Championship at Hoylake commencing on 20th July.
“It feels incredible,” said McIlroy. “It’s been a sort of long six months, I feel, since I won in Dubai. I’ve given myself tons of chances and hopefully this win sort of breaks the seal for me, especially going into next week.
“I don’t feel like it really proves anything. I don’t feel like I need to prove anything in my career but it’s satisfying to know that for me that I can still do it. It’s nice to have the validation. It’s great racking up top fives, top 10s, but it’s much nicer heading away with a trophy on Sunday afternoon. It’s a great shot of confidence.”
McIlroy also praised MacIntyre for his performance stating: “”If he can shoot 64 on a day like today, he can do anything. It’s great to see him back on form at an important point of the year when he’s trying to make the Ryder Cup team.”
MacIntyre looked back at his performance in the tournament saying:
“It’s sore just now, I’m absolutely gutted but so proud of myself and the team around me,” MacIntyre said.
“I needed the wind to pick up, I needed it to be difficult, and it was. I was comfortable all day, it was tough when the wind really started to pick up in the final few holes, but I gave it everything I had.
“I had to take a minute coming off 18, I’ll never forget that reception. That’s why I play this sport.
“When I birdied 18, I had a tear in my eye coming off because it’s a dream of mine to win this tournament. But there’s plenty more years.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler settled with a joint-third finish on 10 under alongside South Korea’s Byeong Hun An and Sweden’s David Lingmerth.
The next event on the PGA TOUR is The Open Championship taking place between 20-23 July at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course in Hoylake.