Rory McIlroy produces shot of the 12 months to put down warning forward of The Open

Rory McIlroy proved he can activate the magic when it issues most after narrowly profitable the Genesis Scottish Open. The 34-year-old had his work lower out heading into the 18th, however managed to point out his class with an unimaginable shot in the direction of the final gap.

On strategy to the 18, McIlroy stage with Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre, and knew he needed to pull a exceptional shot out to keep away from a play-off gap. The Northern Irishman was in want of a robust efficiency with nothing lower than a birdie being wanted for the win.

With MacIntyre readying himself for a play-off and 20mph winds blowing at McIlroy, he overcame any stress to place his shot completely on the inexperienced. A pinpoint hit from simply over 200 yards left the ball sitting simply inches away from the outlet.

Putting house a visably happy McIlroy breathed a sigh of reduction, however noticed conflicting feelings from his opponent. MacIntyre was left to surprise what may have been as his await his first PGA Tour win on house soil goes on.

The win will see McIlroy head into The 151st Open subsequent week at Royal Liverpool in nice type. McIlroy was the final golfer to win match on the iconic venue again in 2014.

But this time the 24-time PGA Tour winner is ready for some uncomfortable reunions. The competitors will see McIlroy play alongside a variety of LIV Golf defectors following the controversial merger with the PGA Tour.

McIlroy has been one among golfs most outspoken gamers towards the Saudi-backed LIV Tour when it was first created in June 2022. Numerous high-profile golfers joined for profitable sums of cash however have been then unable to participate in any PGA Tours.

The likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka at the moment are among the many many gamers who’re again on the prestigious match following an uplifted ban.

McIlroy has beforehand spoken out towards gamers who defected to LIV Golf and stated that they need to now not be capable of participate in PGA Tours. In latest months 18 LIV Golf members took half on the Championship at Wentworth, with McIlroy saying: “Look, my opinion is they [LIV golfers] shouldn’t be here.

“They have been paid some huge cash to go and play on a distinct tour that’s making an attempt to purchase the sport {of professional} golf, and they’re taking locations away from gamers who really want spots this week.”