The Scottish Open has become one of the big events on the golf schedule ever since it became a partner event between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, as the best players from both tours come together for a chance to play some links golf in preparation for the Open Championship a week later.

PGA Tour Golfer Abruptly Withdraws During First Round at Scottish Open originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Through the opening round of the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, Sepp Straka, Nico Echavarria and Jake Knapp share a one-shot lead at 6‑under par, each carding a 65 in benign morning conditions.

Sepp Straka had eight birdies in his round of 64, also joined by Nico Echavarria and Victor Perez atop the leaderboard alongside Knapp. Four other players were one shot behind, while Scottie Scheffler had to settle for a 67 and was three back.

Rory McIlroy salvages his opening round with a superb finish as Sepp Straka defies his own "very low expectations" to share the Scottish Open lead.

McIlroy said he could hear the excitement in the voices of friends talking about his Masters win. And there’s the anticipation of two weeks of a different brand of golf, the Scottish Open that starts Thursday and then the British Open at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland.

The reigning Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, cannot escape the trolls as his latest trim has them questioning who the barber was.

Rory McIlroy and fun last crossed paths weeks ago, but the 36-year-old Northern Irishman vows to change that at the Genesis Scottish Open this week.