Rory McIlroy maintained a share of the lead amid a competitive Genesis Scottish Open field with the world No 2 heading into the weekend tied on nine-under with Jordan Smith and Tom Kim.
But Scottie Scheffler’s tournament is already over after the world No 1 provided the shock of the day by missing the cut for the first time since August 2022, ending a run of 78 successive weekend tournament appearances.
Scheffler shot two over to finish at level and miss out by two strokes, but McIlroy remains right in the mix for victory at The Renaissance Club ahead of next week’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
One of five players to share the lead at the end of Thursday’s play thanks to an opening-round 65, the Northern Irishman stayed in the co-lead on Friday thanks to a second-round 66.
McIlroy was out in 31 for the second day running, this time courtesy of four birdies, before coming back in level-par 35 after a bogey at the par-four 13th was immediately cancelled by a birdie on the 14th.
Assessing McIlroy’s assured performance, Sky Sports Golf’s Wayne Riley said: “He played great golf, he really did.
“He did everything correctly. Missed it on the right side. Short game early doors was fantastic.
“Rory is looking very dangerous. Not only for this great championship but going into the final major of the season.”
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Scottie Scheffler believes he was not quite good enough, as his streak of 78 cuts came to an end at the Genesis Scottish Open.
Korea’s Kim has also carded 65 and 66 so far, while England’s Smith surged into an early clubhouse lead thanks to Friday’s best round of 63.
There are 12 players within two shots of the lead – and 37 within five.
Matt Fitzpatrick is one shot back on eight under after a round of 65 which included a run of five successive birdies on the back nine. Australia’s Min Woo Lee is on the same score.
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Matthew Fitzpatrick birdies five in a row to temporarily give himself the solo lead at the Genesis Scottish Open.
Home favourite Bob MacIntyre (66) is also in the hunt in a group on seven under – the 2024 winner producing a stirring finish with four birdies across the final six holes – alongside last year’s champion Chris Gotterup, who carded 65.
In addition to the rare sight of Scheffler below the final cut line, Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele and PGA champion Aaron Rai all failed to make the weekend.
‘I’m in a great position’ – McIlroy ready to kick on into weekend
Among the later starters on Friday, McIlroy was satisfied with his score given the strengthening winds on a links course playing firm and fast.
“I thought I played well again,” said McIlroy.
“The wind definitely got up for us in the afternoon wave, and we got off to a really nice start.
“Then, by the turn, the wind had got to its strongest and it felt like it was hard to get the ball close to the pins. We were all making a lot of pars out there.
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Shane Lowrly humours Rory McIlroy after this sizzling drive on the 14th at the Scottish Open.
“It would have been nice to be a couple better but it’s obviously another solid day and I’m in a great position going into the weekend.”
The 37-year-old now feels well positioned to go in search of a second Scottish Open title into the weekend.
“A lot of great players around the lead,” added McIlroy, the 2023 champion.
“Bob [MacIntyre] rallied on that back nine to get himself into contention for the home contingent. It’s going to be a great weekend and excited for the opportunity.”
Who will win the Genesis Scottish Open? Watch throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 9am on Sky Sports+. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract.
When is The Open live on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports is once again the exclusive home of The Open in the UK and Ireland, with over 75 hours of live coverage from across the seven days of tournament week at Royal Birkdale.
Live coverage begins at 9am for each of the three practice days, before wall-to-wall action from the final men’s major of the year gets under way at 6.30am on Thursday July 16 on Sky Sports Golf.
There will be at least 15 hours of action on both the first two rounds, with bonus feeds available on Sky Sports+ or the Sky Sports App, with extended coverage then starting at 9am on Saturday July 18 and 8am on Sunday July 19.
Who will win The 154th Open? Watch exclusively live from July 16-19 on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
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