This weekend, when he makes a comeback at the Genesis Scottish Open, Rory McIlroy may add a cool £1.2 million to his already impressive net worth. After losing to Bryson DeChambeau in a heartbreaking match at the US Open last month, the 35-year-old golf star has been off the radar. He came dangerously close to winning his first major championship in ten years. At Pinehurst No. 2, McIlroy appeared certain to win the trophy as he led by a substantial margin going into his last holes of contention.
But after three bogeys leading up to the 18th hole, McIlroy was left with nothing to cheer about when DeChambeau holed a putt on the last hole from about four feet out to win the championship. Following the heartbreaking incident, McIlroy revealed on social media that he will be taking a break from the game to regroup and think things through before playing in the Genesis Scottish Open and, eventually, the Open at Royal Troon.
Additionally, according to the Express, he did not attend the John Deere Classic last weekend, where Davis Thompson won the £1.1 million prize. Having lost out on an incredible £5.5 million in recent weeks, McIlroy is hoping that his decision to regroup following such a significant setback will help him secure victory in the Genesis Scottish Open this coming weekend.
The tournament’s alluring $1,575,000 (£1.23 million) top prize is available, but McIlroy will have fierce competition. The action is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 11, and features golfing heavyweights Jordan Spieth, Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, and Colin Morikawa. Each of them hopes to cause trouble for the Northern Irishman and win the championship and accompanying large prize money.
That being said, a number of well-known players will also be missing from the Scottish Open for various reasons. As a way to get ready for the Open at Royal Troon next week, world number one Scottie Scheffler reportedly decided against competing in the competition. Nevertheless, Tyrell Hatton, John Rahm, and Justin DeChambeau will miss the Open in Berwick because they are all competing at the LIV Andalucia tournament at the same time.
After defeating Robert MacIntyre with a final round birdie-birdie total of -15, McIlroy won the event at the Renaissance Club last year by a single point. Thursday, July 11th, sees the commencement of the Genesis Scottish Open at 7 a.m.; McIlroy’s competition begins at 8 a.m.