Rory McIlroy fired a final-round 64 at the Scottish Open on 19 Jun 2026, climbing from outside the top 25 to finish tied for seventh, just five shots behind winner Tom Kim. The performance offered a strong sign of form ahead of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
What happened at the Scottish Open?
McIlroy started the weekend tied for the lead after rounds of 65 and 66 at The Renaissance Club. But after Saturday’s fog delays and a three-over-par stretch in eight holes, he slipped out of contention. Sunday brought a full reset: early range work with coach Michael Bannon, clearer conditions, and a sharp final round that included six birdies and no bogeys.
Why it matters for Rory McIlroy?
This was only his fifth start in 12 weeks since defending his Masters title. He admitted his game still needs tuning, especially with irons, after struggling in left-to-right winds over the weekend. But the 64 showed he can still produce major-caliber rounds under pressure. He’s now focused on adapting to Royal Birkdale’s expected conditions.
What comes next for Rory McIlroy?
McIlroy plans to train at Hillside’s driving range next week, where the prevailing wind blows right-to-left — exactly the condition he says helps his ball flight. He specifically noted that left-to-right winds cause his path and clubface to misalign, leading to wayward iron shots. Hillside’s wind pattern could be the key to unlocking his Open Championship form.
The 37-year-old didn’t hide his frustration after Saturday’s collapse, but Sunday’s round erased doubts. He’s not yet at peak sharpness, but the raw talent and competitive fire remain. With the Open Championship starting 26 Jun, McIlroy has just five days to lock in his swing — and the wind at Hillside might just give him the edge he needs.