Sun Jul 13 18:00:00 UTC 2025: **McIlroy Ties for Lead at Scottish Open, Eyes British Open Tune-Up**

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland – Rory McIlroy surged into a tie for the lead at the Scottish Open on Saturday, firing a 4-under 66 at The Renaissance Club to match Chris Gotterup at 11-under 199. McIlroy, seeking his first win on home soil as a professional, capped his round with clutch shots on the back nine. McIlroy carded a birdie at the par-5 16th after blasting from a difficult lie to within 10 feet.

Gotterup, who set a course record with a 61 on Friday, struggled to a 70. He and McIlroy will be joined in the final group by Wyndham Clark, who also carded a 66.

McIlroy is hoping to use the Scottish Open as a springboard into next week’s British Open at Royal Portrush, a course he hasn’t played since missing the cut there in 2019. He admitted to a lull after his Masters victory in April but feels he is nearing peak form once again.

“I think I’m pretty close to being back to the level I was at going into the Masters,” McIlroy said.

Clark, along with Jake Knapp, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Marco Penge, are also within striking distance. For Gotterup and Knapp, a strong finish could secure them a spot at the Open Championship, as the top three players not yet eligible will earn entry.

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