Rory McIlroy will be closely watched at the Genesis Scottish Open next week as he attempts to defend his title. Despite winning four career majors, McIlroy has not won in his last 37 major starts, a decade-long stretch. The bigger question is what frame of mind he will be in after losing the U.S. Open.
In the U.S. Open, McIlroy held a two-shot lead with five holes to play but faltered in the end, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to claim victory by just one stroke. McIlroy missed key putts on the final holes that cost him the title. He did not speak to the media after the loss, instead announcing on social media that he would be taking a break from golf.
McIlroy will skip the Travelers Championship and focus on preparing for the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. When he arrives at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick, he will find a plaque commemorating his remarkable shot from last year’s tournament. The plaque was added as a surprise by the club founder and serves as a reminder of his skills and potential for success in upcoming tournaments. The support from the club and returning to the site of his victory could give McIlroy the boost he needs for success at the British Open.
