Rory McIlroy Maintains 1-stroke Lead at Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th green during Day Three of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in Scotland on July 15, 2023. (Stephen Pond/Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy shot a 3–under par 67 on Saturday to maintain a one-stroke lead after the third round at the Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland.

McIlroy, who sits at 13–under 197 for the tournament, recorded five birdies against two bogeys on Saturday at The Renaissance Club to stay one stroke ahead of South Korea’s Tom Kim (67).

McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, was pleased with his effort, which followed rounds of 64 and 66.

“It was another really good round of golf. Very solid,” he said. “I feel like I’ve left a few out there over the last couple of days, but at the same time, at least the last few holes, it was quite tricky conditions.

“I played well. It’s been a good three days and looking forward to obviously being in the final group (Sunday) and seeing how my game holds up under that sort of pressure.”

Tom Kim of South Korea and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shake hands on the 18th green after finishing their round during Day Three of the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in Scotland on July 15, 2023. (Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

The conditions will be tricky again on Sunday. With winds forecast at 20 mph, with gusts of 40 mph-plus in the afternoon, organizers moved the tee times and will run the groups in trios.

McIlroy has a 3:57 a.m. ET tee time and will be paired with Kim, who finished third at the Scottish Open last year, and Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman ascended from 29th place into a tie for third with Brian Harman (67) after carding a 63 Saturday.

Fleetwood collected eight birdies against one bogey in the third round to move to 11–under.

Eric Cole recorded seven birdies and one bogey en route to a 64 on Saturday. He joined Ireland’s Shane Lowry (65), first-round leader Ben An (69), Scottie Scheffler (67) and J.T. Poston (65) in a five-way tie for fifth at 10-under.

Fleetwood said he'll be ready for whatever weather comes the players’ way.

“I'd like to not get too far away and see what the conditions bring,” he said. “If it’s rough, it’s rough. If it’s nice, that will do, too. You have to play it no matter what.”

Kim agreed.

“I’m kind of looking forward to it. It’s going to be tough,” he said. “I think it’s going to be tough for everyone. So you’ve got to be mentally there more than anything. You’ve got to be patient. I think it’s going to play a lot different than the last three days, so I look forward to the challenge.”