Rory McIlroy goes low to start Genesis Scottish Open, happy to be back playing links golf

Rory McIlroy opened the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club with a 5-under 65 on Thursday, July 9, 2026, putting him in strong contention early in the tournament. The Northern Irishman expressed happiness at returning to links-style golf, a format widely regarded as his natural environment. The round was reported by Patricia Duffy for Golf Channel.