Rory McIlroy will get an important emotional boost when he reports to the Renaissance Club for the Scottish Open.
The PGA Tour star has been out of action since his colossal collapse to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open,
with DeChambeau finishing one stroke better than the 35-year-old to escape with the win at Pinehurst No. 2. He’s also had a divorce drama hanging over his head.
However, when the Northern Irishman gets back to the course, he will have a pleasant surprise waiting for him.
On the 18th hole of the Renaissance Club, a plaque has been installed, commemorating McIlroy’s 2-iron from over 200 yards to land just 11 feet, leading to the winning birdie.
Considering how he hit the shot in the face of 40-mph wind last year, McIlroy’s shot is one of the most impressive in recent history.
“We just did it today,” club founder Jerry Sarvadi said, according to Golf Week, “We’re going to tell him when he gets here.” What’s more, McIlroy admitted that his shot is one he will remember for the rest of his career.
“He said, ‘When I turn 80, it will be one of the five best shots I hit in my entire career,'” the founder continued. When the Scottish Open is set to tee off starting July 11, McIlroy will look to continue his good fortune at Renaissance Club after winning last year.
For the time being, McIlroy will look to mentally recover after choking away the win at Pinehurst. McIlroy has skipped the Travelers Championship, which had a grand prize of £3.1million, and also did not participate in the Rocket Mortgage Classic, with a £1.3 million payday.
Along with skipping the Travelers Championship and Rocket Mortgage Classic, McIlroy also was a no-show at the John Deere Classic. This is in line with how McIlroy approaches getting his headspace back in a suitable place after such a crushing loss.
Shortly after losing the US Open, McIlroy posted on social media that he would be taking a break from the links to get his mind right for the Scottish Open. “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” his statement read. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.
“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly, the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives. As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.
“The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again. I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.”
McIlroy also was spotted spending time with Erica Stoll after the tournament. The star was seen with his wife, as a part of the stunning divorce U-turn he performed in mid-June.
With his US Open heartbreak and divorce proceedings in the rearview, McIlroy can focus on performing his best. And there will be plaque at the Renaissance Club honouring just how good he can be.
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Source: Los Angeles Times1
