🏌️ Golf: Scottish Open 2025 Tees Off with High Drama, Star Power, and Windy Surprises

North Berwick, Scotland — Golf The 2025 Genesis Scottish Open opened with a gusty twist as elite golfers battled stiff winds and demanding links conditions at The Renaissance Club. With a $9 million purse on the line and just a week before The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, the stakes are sky-high — and so is the excitement.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler wasted no time asserting his dominance, carding an impressive 4-under-par 67 in blustery conditions. A towering eagle on the par-5 10th gave Scheffler early momentum as he set the pace near the top of the leaderboard.

“I’ll take 67 any day in that wind,” Scheffler said. “You had to shape every shot and stay patient. Classic links golf.”

Meanwhile, defending champion Robert MacIntyre thrilled his home crowd, posting a gritty 2-under 68. The Scot had a brief scare when his tee shot on the 12th veered near the rough, but he scrambled to save par and kept his title defense on track.

“There’s pressure when you’re the hometown guy, but the energy from the crowd fuels me,” said MacIntyre, who is looking to become the first repeat Scottish Open winner since 2014.

Adding to the firepower is Rory McIlroy, back in action after a brief mental break. The four-time major champion looked composed and sharp in his return, although he trails Scheffler on the odds board. Fans welcomed McIlroy with cheer — and a few laughs.

In a light-hearted moment, comedian Troy Hawke met McIlroy at the practice tee, dressed in a flamboyant purple robe and joking, “You’ve got more magic in you than a Disney princess.” The moment quickly went viral, adding a dose of fun to the tournament’s serious competition.

Despite the humour, the course itself is no joke. The par-70 Renaissance Club layout has already tested players with shifting winds, firm fairways, and links-style bunkering. With five par-3s and three par-5s, strategy will be key as the leaderboard begins to take shape.

⏭️ What’s Next?

As the tournament heads into Day 2, all eyes will be on whether Scheffler can hold his lead, if MacIntyre can summon magic on home soil, and whether McIlroy will mount a charge.

Cut drama is also expected — with many top names hovering near even par, a few surprises could shake up the weekend lineup.

For now, Scottish fans are getting the golf spectacle they hoped for: world-class talent, unpredictable weather, and unforgettable moments.

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