(Image: Flickr, Copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
Ludvig Aberg leads by two heading into the final round of the Scottish Open
After three fantastic days of golf, Ludvig Aberg leads the Scottish Open by two shots as the field heads into the final 18 holes.
Aberg’s nearest challenger is hometown hero Robert MacIntyre who is looking to land his home tournament for the first time in his career.
Nestled just behind the top two are a string of high class players which includes Adam Scott, Sungjae Im, Collin Morikawa and Rory McIlroy.
Heading into what is sure to be a dramatic final round, here is everything you need to look out for.
Ludvig Aberg is looking to land the biggest title of his career
It’s hard to believe that barely twelve months ago Ludvig Aberg made the decision to go professional. A top ranked player out of college, Aberg has enjoyed a remarkable rise up the rankings.
Already a winner of two professional titles, the Swede is looking to land the biggest title of his young career here and could be hard to stop.
Having led since the conclusion of the second round, Aberg showed few signs of nerves as he signed for a round of 65.
With MacIntyre having drawn level, Aberg saved his best for last as he managed to find birdies on both the 16th and 17th holes to ensure a two stroke lead.
Already on a path destined for greatness, he is the man to beat today and the world number four will hope to convert his lead before his attentions turn towards a crack at his first Open title next week.
Robert MacIntyre is aiming for victory in front of his own fans
Although the speed of his rise up the rankings hasn’t been quite as quick as Aberg’s, Robert MacIntyre is currently playing the best golf of his life.
A recent winner of the Canadian Open, the Scot has brought that form into this week and will be desperately hoping to go one place better than his second place finish at this event last year.
MacIntyre has no fears when it comes to publicly expressing how much he wants to win this event and you can be assured that he will have a fanatical following as he tries to overhaul Aberg at the top of the leaderboard.
Last year MacIntyre led by one stroke from Rory McIlroy who had just two holes to play. Remarkably, despite the tough conditions, McIlroy played two stunning holes to deny the Scot by one shot, a loss that still hurts him to this day.
Not since Colin Montgomerie in 1999 has a Scottish player won their home tournament, MacIntyre will be hoping to end that wait today.
(Image by Flickr, Scottish Golf)
Despite being in the twilight of his career, Adam Scott is still a force on the links
Like most Australian players, Adam Scott seems to love links courses. A former Open runner up, Scott has turned back time this week and reminded everyone what a classy player he still is.
The likeable Aussie will tee off today three shots behind Aberg and after a brilliant third round 64 and looks well placed to make a serious challenge today.
This course seems to suit his eye and over the course of the week we have seen Scott produce his full repertoire of shots.
Unlike Aberg and MacIntyre who will head out with plenty of pressure on their shoulders, Scott knows that competing for titles at this stage of his career is a privilege. He should be loose today which should make him dangerous.
Rory McIlroy will start five shots behind but will be confident of victory
Defending champion Rory McIlroy will start five strokes behind Ludvig Aberg but will still be confident of victory.
At one point in his third round, McIlroy was within touching distance of the leaders but couldn’t get the putts to drop when they mattered and a bogey on his final hole has ensured that he has plenty of work to do today.
Heading into the week, all eyes were on the Northern Irishman who was making his first start since his agonising runner up effort at the U.S Open. With that defeat clearly behind him now, McIlroy has swung the club well this week and looks ready to make a challenge at next week’s Open.
Although he may still believe, it would take something truly special for McIlroy to end the day at the top of the leaderboard.
(Image by Flickr, Joe Bojc)
Collin Morikawa will hope to land first title of 2024 but has ground to make up
One of the success stories of 2024 has been Collin Morikawa. Having spent a couple of years in the golfing wilderness, Morikawa bounced back to form with a victory in the CJ Cup and has been close to victory several times this year.
Yet to get over the line in 2024, Morikawa has teed off in the final group at the Masters, PGA Championship and RBC Heritage but hasn’t been able to get the job done.
A former Open winner, Morikawa has proven form around the links and today’s layout shouldn’t hold any fears for the American. Although he is four strokes behind, he will be confident of challenging the leaders and his chances can’t be discounted.
Final round betting odds
With the final round of the Scottish Open still greatly hanging in the balance, the tournament is still very much up for grabs and those in and around the top of the leaderboard will be hoping for a special day.
If you fancy a final round flutter here are the prices of all of the leading contenders.
(Image: Flickr, copyright USGA/Steven Gibbons)
LUDVIG ABERG - 8/11
ROBERT MACINTYRE - 9/2
COLLIN MORIKAWA - 11/1
RORY MCILROY - 12/1
ADAM SCOTT - 12/1
SUNGJAE IM - 18/1
SAHITH THEEGALA - 20/1
ANTOINE ROZNER - 40/1
ERIK VAN ROOYEN - 50/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
