Rory McIlroy is on the brink of securing the 30th PGA Tour victory of his career this week at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open. After three rounds at the co-sanctioned PGA Tour and DP World Tour event, McIlroy holds a share of the lead alongside Chris Gotterup, positioning himself to join the exclusive group of players with 30 or more PGA Tour wins.
Joining the Ranks of Golf’s Greatest Champions
If McIlroy triumphs on Sunday, he will enter a distinguished list that includes iconic names such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, and Arnold Palmer. The PGA Tour recently highlighted these veterans in a post, celebrating their milestone achievements on the circuit.
“Sixteen players have earned 30 or more PGA TOUR titles: Tiger Woods, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Byron Nelson, Billy Casper, Walter Hagen, Phil Mickelson, Cary Middlecoff, Tom Watson, Gene Sarazen, Lloyd Mangrum, Vijay Singh, Jimmy Demaret, Horton Smith, @McIlroyRory eyes No. 30 on Sunday @ScottishOpen”
—PGA Tour on X
McIlroy’s Season Highlights and Career Overview
McIlroy surged five spots on the leaderboard after shooting a 66 in the third round, putting him in a strong position to claim the title. Earlier in the season, he captured victories at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, The Players Championship, and the Masters, completing a career Grand Slam at Augusta National—making him only the sixth golfer ever to do so.
His PGA Tour debut win came at the 2010 Quail Hollow Championship, marking the start of a prolific career. As he competes for his 30th win, McIlroy’s record demonstrates consistent excellence across major tournaments and regular tour stops.
Reflections on McIlroy’s Performance at the Scottish Open
Following his stellar Masters win this year, McIlroy encountered difficulties, missing the cut at the RBC Canadian Open and finishing tied for 47th at the PGA Championship. However, his recent play at the Scottish Open has demonstrated renewed focus and competitiveness.
In Saturday’s press conference, McIlroy shared his thoughts on this pivotal moment via ASAP Sports:
“It’s my first realistic chance to win after the Masters, and I’ve had a great season. I won at Pebble. I won PLAYERS. I said this, when you do something that you’ve been dreaming your whole life to do, it was a huge moment in my life, my career.”
—Rory McIlroy, Golfer
“I think I just needed that little bit of time. And to be back here for last couple weeks, and feel like I could actually digest all of it, I feel like I came to this tournament with renewed enthusiasm and excitement for the rest of the year,” he added.
—Rory McIlroy, Golfer
Road to the Final Round and What Lies Ahead
McIlroy opened the Genesis Scottish Open with rounds of 68 and 65, followed by his third round of 66, putting him at 11-under par. The tournament’s final round will take place on Sunday, July 13, where McIlroy has the chance to claim his 30th PGA Tour victory, further solidifying his place among golf’s all-time greats.
This potential milestone will deepen his legacy and inspire other competitors on the PGA Tour, while fans watch eagerly to see if McIlroy will join Tiger Woods and other legends in this elite club.