Robert MacIntyre managed to stay in the Genesis Scottish Open weekend field despite a difficult second round at The Renaissance Club. While many players capitalized on favorable conditions, MacIntyre described his performance as “absolutely terrible” but fought hard to remain under the cut line. A double bogey on the par-4 13th hole seriously threatened his chances, yet he responded with crucial birdies on the 14th and 17th holes and a steady par putt on the 18th to finish at 1-under overall.
That was just a poor day’s golf, but I managed to fight it out,
MacIntyre said.
His round was marred by inconsistent tee shots, including a rare misplay at the 13th where he lost his ball after missing the fairway on the left, leading to a costly double bogey. Another poor drive at the par-5 16th meant he missed a key birdie opportunity. Despite these setbacks, the supportive Scottish crowd energized him, notably erupting when he made a long approach shot to six feet on 17 and again when he sank the final par putt.
It’s one of the worst shots I’ve hit all year,
MacIntyre admitted about his 13th hole tee shot.
Morikawa Falls Short, Joining Other Notable Names Missing the Cut
In stark contrast, Collin Morikawa, the highest-ranked player in the field, failed to make the cut. Morikawa remained close to the cutline during the front nine but faltered with a 5-over 40 on the back nine, eliminating his chances of playing Saturday and Sunday. Alongside Morikawa, Aldrich Potgieter and J.J. Spaun also missed the weekend after finishing 2-over in the second round. Justin Thomas narrowly avoided joining them by sinking a decisive birdie putt on the 18th, finishing 1-under and safely inside the cut.
This missed cut marks Morikawa’s first in an individual stroke play event since the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational, breaking a streak of more than 16 months of making weekend rounds in such tournaments.
Additional Player Highlights from the Scottish Open and Beyond
While MacIntyre struggled to maintain his form, the tournament has seen impressive performances from other players, including a course-record-tying 61 by newcomer Gotterup in calm conditions. Rory McIlroy is gradually regaining his form with a solid 65, indicating his growing competitiveness at the event. Furthermore, Steelman shares the lead along with two others after the first round at a separate event, The Ascendant.
Implications as the Tournament Progresses
MacIntyre’s narrow escape to the weekend highlights his resilience as a defending champion facing a tough challenge on home turf. Morikawa’s missed cut opens the field further for other contenders aiming for the title. As players adjust to the course and conditions in the coming rounds, the Genesis Scottish Open is positioned to deliver intense competition and shifting momentum through the weekend.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Collin Morikawa the best iron player?
A. People don’t seem too excited about Collin Morikawa at the moment, which makes sense. Still, I believe he’s the second-best iron player globally. If someone bets that any golfer besides Scottie Scheffler will surpass Morikawa with irons in 2026, I’d confidently choose Morikawa.
Q. Has Collin Morikawa ever won a major?
A. Morikawa has won six PGA Tour events, including two major tournaments: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship, both in his first tries. In May 2018, he was the top golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking for three weeks.
Q. Did Collin Morikawa ever win a major?
A. Morikawa has achieved six wins on the PGA Tour. This includes two major titles: the 2020 PGA Championship and the 2021 Open Championship. Remarkably, he won both the first time he participated.