Gotterup holds nerve to win Genesis Scottish Open
American seals maiden DP World Tour title after thrilling duel with McIlroy
Las Vegas - Chris Gotterup held his nerve and showed a champion’s composure on Sunday to win the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, edging out Rory McIlroy by two shots to claim his first DP World Tour title and a coveted place in next week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The 25-year-old American, who shared the third-round lead with McIlroy, weathered a tense head-to-head with the world number two, staying steady as McIlroy faltered on the back nine. After briefly trailing early on, Gotterup birdied the eighth, tenth and twelfth holes to build a decisive advantage. A bogey at the fifteenth was swiftly answered by another birdie at sixteen before a series of solid closing pars sealed a superb four-under-par 66 and a winning total of 15 under.
“I just hung in there tight and tried to keep it together,” said Gotterup, struggling to contain his emotions. “It’s awesome. I can’t wait to see everyone and then I’m playing The Open next week. It’s just so cool. I knew today was going to be tough, but I hung in there like a champ and finished it off in style.”
McIlroy, bidding to defend the title he won last year, signed for a 68 to finish at 13 under alongside England’s Marco Penge, who matched Gotterup’s 66 to continue his impressive season. Nicolai Højgaard’s closing 64 earned him a share of fourth at 12 under with Matt Fitzpatrick, both also booking Open spots. Justin Rose posted the round of the day with a flawless 63 to finish just outside the top five.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, number three Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland all tied for ninth at nine under, while Germany’s Matti Schmid claimed the final Open berth after finishing six under.
Among the day’s other highlights, Nico Echavarria made a memorable hole-in-one at the sixth, winning a Genesis GV60 and earning a fan a VIP experience at the Genesis Championship in Korea. Grant Forrest, at five under, was the leading Scot and collected the Jock MacVicar Memorial Award.
“I know what I’m capable of and I know when I feel the way I did today, I can beat the best,” Gotterup added. “Two-time champ sounds a lot better, but being a one-time champion here feels just awesome.”