Before we talk leaders at the Scottish Open, once again, there was a shocking performance from the highest-ranked player in the field.
Rory McIlroy tried to fight his way back after shooting 74 on Thursday at the Dundonald Golf Links but he could only manage a 71 and his one-over finish left him two shots short of the one-under cutline. McIlroy, ranked fourth in the world, was the highest-ranked player in the field.
“Frustrated,” was how McIlroy summed up the past two weeks. “It’s hard to put my finger on it, it’s not like I’m shooting 76 or 77. I’m just waiting for a spark and hopefully it comes next week.”
McIlroy was 10 shots from the three leaders — Paddy Harrington, Callum Shinkwin and Alexander Knappe.
Harrington amazed everyone by using a range drill during his round of play. He lifts his left foot off the ground at the top of his swing then steps over and around with his right foot through impact.
“It’s not as strange as it looks,” Harrington insisted, saying that it helps take the pressure off his 45-year-old back.
The resurgence of Ian Poulter continued in full swing. He’s in with rounds of 67-68 and is just a shot off the lead.
Rickie Fowler was another shot back at seven-under par. Matt Kuchar was in at six-under.
Things could get testy on Saturday as winds are expected to blow in the 30-35 mile-per-hour range.
