2023 champion Rory McIlroy started the day four shots behind the lead and made just one bogey and five birdies for a 66, the joint lowest round of the day, to reach 11-under and take a share of the lead at the Genesis Scottish Open.

“I was even par through seven. Made a really good bounceback birdie after the bogey on 7. I felt like the conditions were tougher as the day went on and the back nine played more difficult today than it did yesterday, at least for me. I think the wind and the conditions we got are sort of similar to what the afternoon wave got yesterday. But I controlled my ball flight well and did what I needed to do, close on the last two holes as well. Overall happy with the day’s work,” said the Northern Irishman.

With a win on Sunday, McIlroy would become the first player to win the MastersTournament and Genesis Scottish Open in the same season. It would also mark his fourth win of the season, equaling his most in a season on the PGA Tour (2011-12 season).

“It’s my first realistic chance to win after the Masters, and I’ve had a great season. I won at Pebble. I won Players. I said this, when you do something that you’ve been dreaming your whole life to do, it was a huge moment in my life, my career. Then I think I just needed that little bit of time. And to be back here for last couple weeks, and feel like I could actually digest all of it, I feel like I came to this tournament with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the rest of the year,” added McIlroy.

McIlroy is in search of his 30th win on the PGA Tour, which would move him to T16 (with Horton Smith) on the all-time wins list.

American Chris Gotterup made two birdies and two bogeys for a 70 and retains a share of the lead heading into the final day.

Gotterup has one win to his name on the PGA Tour, at the 2024 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, which was also his only top-10 finish in his last 56 starts on Tour.

“Definitely not the easiest day out there considering how it was playing and how I played. Hung tough. It’s definitely not the start I was looking for coming out of the game but happy to bounce back,” said Gotterup.

“A little bummed with my finish on 16 and 17. 16 was a little bit of — I haven’t played that hole well so hopefully get that one tomorrow. Tough to make putts here in the afternoon. Feels like it’s bouncing a little bit. I tried my best and on to tomorrow.”

Englishmen Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge are tied in third place at 9-under alongside Americans Wyndham Clark and Jake Knapp. Penge is seeking his second win on the DP World Tour this season (Hainan Classic).

American World number 1 Scottie Scheffler carded a 69 and is tied in fifteenth place at 6-under.

France’s Romain Langasque aced the par-3 14th hole with a pitching wedge from 147 yards and closed with a 67. He is currently T20 at 5-under alongside seven other players including compatriot Victor Perez (71) and American Xander Schauffele (71).

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