Scottish Open Rankings 2023: Rory McIlroy leads Scottie Scheffler, Rickie Fowler lags behind second round
Not even the icy Scottish rain could stop Rory McIlroy’s dominant tee off performance on Friday at The Renaissance Club. Giving himself a chance to score practically every hole on seemingly every hole, the Northern Irishman took the lead at the 2023 Scottish Open before belated mistakes left him under 10 points in the half. points in North Berwick and one point ahead of Tom Kim and Tyrrell Hatton.
McIlroy’s second number 18 in the Tom Doak redesign was inherently different from his first. Consistently making quick putts on Thursday, McIlroy’s wand will disappoint on his second walk around par 70. Missed five birdies from within 10 feet in the open. In the ninth act, this 34-year-old man has finally turned 32.
A number of beliefs influenced his shot at home and the additional birdie conversions that followed, namely an 18-foot effort from off the green on a downhill par-3. However, a missed par 3 next and the failure to score a par 5 in the latter 9 means that McIlroy’s lead will only be a once inclement weather and the forecast for the weekend is in full swing. strong wind.
“I hit the ball very well from tee-to-green,” says McIlroy. “I’ve had a lot of looks. Honestly, I feel like a 4 under is probably the worst thing I could shoot out of there. But, you know, it fluctuates around in circles. Today I’ve held a few long shots to score well, and then missed a few today, but overall, really pleased with the past two days.”
In addition to Hatton and Kim are a quartet of Americans who want to plant their flag in the Scottish countryside. Sam Burns looks set to usurp Europe’s top spot from under-8 with good friend and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler falling behind at under-7. Compatriots Rickie Fowler and Max Homa are still in the gap. scream at 6 below like anything and things are still on the table with Mother Nature taking control over the past two days.
Leader
1. Rory McIlroy (-10)
What could happen to McIlroy in the second round. Missing a total of nine putts over 10 feet, he was unable to separate himself from the court and breathe in 36 finals as the weather changed. The good news is that his tee-to-blue stats are excellent as he leads the field in the aforementioned category and ranks in the top 10 in each tee-to-blue area. The bad news is that the chase group is full of killers. He’ll need to hit his holes consistently – as he did so well in Round 1 – if he is to win last week’s return to Hoylake.
” [I just have to] “You know, I didn’t really have any expectations,” McIlroy said. I would be silly trying to pick some potential target points to hit. So really, just embrace the conditions and just make the best of them. But, you know, I know I’m playing well enough from tee-to-green to give myself a bit of a look and try to be there, so I’m pretty confident going into the next two days no matter the weather. yes how. “
other candidates
T2. Byeong Hun An, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom Kim (-9)
T5. Brian Harman, Sam Burns (-8)
T7. Nicolai Hojgaard, Padraig Harrington, Scottie Scheffler (-7)
T10. Daniel Hillier, Grant Forrest, Max Homa, Rickie Fowler, Sebastian Soderberg, Marcel Schneider (-6)
It was the second straight 67 for Fowler, but his score in Round 2 was much more impressive. Playing only four lanes a day and often playing defensively on the green, the 2015 Scottish Open champions were able to take the lead and keep up with the leaders. Fowler played a lot of irons and putters on Friday, and if the driver starts to cooperate and help him succeed, his second win in multiple starts could come on Sunday.
“I want to talk a little bit about everything, but I will say that hitting the ball, playing from the fairway obviously gives you control when going into the green and the opportunity to play offensively when you can, that can probably driving. the ball, is the biggest key to you really having a chance, where you can be aggressive and try to move on.”
Cause for concern for Jordan Spieth?
Spieth went into the week with a perfect 10 to 10 in matches made in the UK between the Scottish Open and The Open. His early disqualification represents a difference in his associate golf experience, but it could raise concerns ahead of the year’s final big tournament. Since losing to Matt Fitzpatrick in the playoffs at RBC Heritage, Spieth has twisted his back, injured his wrist and doesn’t look like the golfer he used to be. The big three-timer has now missed four of his last six cuts and could again come out if he doesn’t figure something out quickly.
Could the 10-year trend be skewed?
Since Phil Mickelson in 2013, no player has won the Scottish Open and The Open in consecutive weeks. This short-lived record could come to an end as a number of North Berwick contenders could be in action within a few days in Hoylake. McIlroy, Scheffler and Fowler are among the favorites for The Open, and Hatton will join them if he is a winner at The Renaissance Club.
2023 Scotland Open updated odds, selection
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
- Rory McIlroy: 2-1
- Tyrrell Hatton: 2/9
- Scottie Scheffler: 6-1
- Tom Kim: 9-1
- Byeong Hun An: 16-1
- Sam Burns: 16-1
- Rickie Fowler: 22-1
- Brian Harman: 25-1
- Max Homa: 35-1
Inclement weather makes predicting a smile more difficult. If it’s sunny and 75, I think McIlroy will take control of this league and run away with it. However, that won’t be the case. Let’s continue with our Thursday night picks of Padraig Harrington, 55-1 and just 3 points back, and Wyndham Clark, 60-1 and just 5 points back. So far, both have excelled from tee to tee, and some conditions could be waived if tee times were a little earlier.
Rick Gehman joins Greg DuCharme to break the action Friday at the Genesis Scottish Open. Rory McIlroy is the one to beat, can he win the Open Championship? Follow and listen to The First Cut on Apple Podcasts And Spotify.
