IRVINE, Scotland (AP) Rory McIlroy had already dropped two strokes by misjudging wedge shots early in his first round at the Scottish Open when he created an opportunity to make amends.
From the center of the fairway and less than 100 yards out, McIlroy sent his approach toward the green at the par-4 No. 13 – his fourth hole – at Dundonald Links. Soon, he was hanging his head.
The ball landed short and right of the putting surface, and rolled down an incline and into a burn. A drop, a duffed chip and two putts later, McIlroy had made a double-bogey 6 and a round on which he’d placed so much importance was already getting away from him.