NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — Chris Gotterup delivered an exceptional performance on Friday at The Renaissance Club by tying the course record with a 9-under 61, catapulting him into a two-shot lead heading into the weekend of the Genesis Scottish Open. Benefiting from calm weather and plenty of sunshine, Gotterup’s smooth putting and long, accurate drives allowed him to dominate the field amid ideal conditions early in the day.
Harry Hall trails by two shots after carding a 64, while Ludvig Åberg, energized by a recent trip home to Sweden, posted a 65, positioning himself three shots behind Gotterup in a competitive group. The early morning tranquility gave way to gusty winds during the afternoon round, proving more challenging for players such as Scottie Scheffler, who shot 68 and found himself six shots behind the leader.
Ludvig Åberg Recovers Strongly to Close Ground Under Increasing Wind
Åberg, refreshed after his first visit home in a year, overcame a shaky start with two bogeys by striking back with eight birdies over the final 15 holes. His afternoon effort was the only one among the top contenders to face the firm, bouncy course conditions brought on by intensifying winds from the Firth of Forth. This resilience highlights Åberg’s progression as a serious contender in Scotland’s demanding links golf environment.
Top Players Face Challenge as Conditions Shift
Scottie Scheffler, currently the world’s number one player, experienced difficulties with his putting, including two three-putts, which contributed to his score of 68. Despite frustration flashing across his demeanor in moments, Scheffler remained steady and kept himself in contention, though notably behind the leaders.
Rory McIlroy, who started on the 10th hole, gained momentum with five birdies on the back nine to shoot a 65, joining a group at 7-under 133. Xander Schauffele, defending champion of the upcoming Open Championship, managed a 66, positioning himself five shots behind Gotterup.
Schauffele acknowledged the favorable conditions for scoring during the morning rounds, saying,
“It was there for the taking,”
—Xander Schauffele, Professional Golfer.
Chris Gotterup’s Remarkable Round Fueled by Long Putts and Consistency
Gotterup’s round was marked by three long-range putts, including a dramatic 45-foot birdie on the second hole, which set the tone for his day. He followed up with a 30-foot birdie on the seventh and closed out his front nine at 29 with a 20-foot birdie putt. Over the next five holes, he added three more birdies to reach 9-under, narrowly missing the chance to break 60 after coming two birdies short.
Reflecting on the achievement, Gotterup said,
“That didn’t cross my brain at all,”
and added,
“I thought 10 (under) would be cool. I think it’s still my lowest round in tournament golf. I have no complaints.”
—Chris Gotterup, Tournament Leader.
Gotterup Balances Ambition with Enjoyment at Scottish Open
Despite feeling the effects of jet lag and a very early alarm at 5:15 a.m., Gotterup’s commitment shines through, with a desire not only to compete but to enjoy the Scottish links atmosphere. Though he is scheduled to fly to California for the Barracuda Championship in Lake Tahoe the following week, his priority remains performing well here.
He emphasized his fondness for Scotland, observing a strong enthusiasm from fans attending the event as Saturday’s round was sold out and Sunday tickets selling quickly. He noted,
“There’s probably not too many better places to be,”
without clarifying whether he was referring to Scotland itself or his position atop the leaderboard.
Gotterup’s athletic background stems from years playing lacrosse in New Jersey before focusing on golf, which he credits for his speed and power. He explained,
“Lacrosse helps with my speed. It’s a similarish motion,”
and further remarked,
“When you’re shooting lacrosse, I try to rip it as hard as I can. When I grew up, I hit the ball as hard as I could. It’s just how I grew up playing. Maybe if I grew up here, it would be different.”
—Chris Gotterup, Golfer.
Home Hopeful Robert MacIntyre Struggles but Makes Cut
Robert MacIntyre, the defending champion and Scotland’s local favorite, faced tougher afternoon conditions that made scoring difficult. However, he managed to secure a place in the weekend rounds with a late birdie. The cut line settled at 1-under 139, with Justin Thomas securing the final spot after a clutch 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole.
Notable Players and Upcoming Stakes for The Open Championship
Gotterup’s commanding position also puts him well-placed to earn one of three coveted qualifying spots for The Open Championship next week. Other top players like Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele remain within striking distance but will need to navigate the increasingly challenging conditions over the weekend.
The tournament promises intense competition as players respond to Scotland’s demanding links golf environment and shifting weather patterns. With strong local support and significant stakes involved, the Genesis Scottish Open continues to build excitement heading into its final rounds.