Rory McIlroy believes it is brilliant to have Bob MacIntyre revving up the Renaissance Club as the pair set themselves up for another epic Scottish Open finale. The Northern Irish superstar cracked a brilliant 66 to take a share of the halfway lead alongside England's Jordan Smith and South Korean Tom Kim.
McIlroy Relishes Atmosphere Alongside MacIntyre
McIlroy relished being among the boisterous Friday atmosphere playing alongside home favourite MacIntyre, who is just two behind the leading trio going into the final 36 holes. The World No.2 beat the Oban ace on the final hole to win the title in 2023 before the local boy triumphed himself 12 months later.
Now McIlroy and MacIntyre are both bang in the mix again, and the Grand Slam king said: “Yeah, a great weekend. Excited for the opportunity. Bob getting himself on the back nine into contention for the home contingent. Obviously cheering for him pretty well. Great to play with him and Bob is up there this weekend, which is great.”
Defending Champion Also in Contention
McIlroy, MacIntyre, and defending champion Chris Gotterup, who is also just two from the lead, fed off each other in front of the packed galleries. The Masters champ added: “Chris got off to a great start, as did I. Bob got off to a bit of a slow start, but started picking it up around the turn. It’s nice when you have a group playing well together.”
“I thought I played well again. The wind definitely got up for us in the afternoon. It would have been nice to be a couple better, but it’s obviously another good day and in good position.”
Smith and Kim Share the Lead
Smith and Kim are alongside McIlroy at the summit, and the Asian ace said: “I don’t know what it is about it, but I finished second at the British Open and I’ve played here pretty well the last few years. Just hopefully I can continue that run.”
