Rory McIlroy edged out home hope Robert MacIntyre to win a dramatic Scottish Open on Sunday.
The Northern Irishman birdied on the 17th to draw level with MacIntyre, who had carded a 64 to pile the pressure on McIlroy.
The four-time major winner then produced a stunning approach on the final hole before holing from 10 feet for another birdie to snatch victory from the unfortunate Scot.
Sweden's David Lingmerth (68), South Korea's Byeong Hun An (70) and Scottie Scheffler (70) tied for third at 10-under.
McIlroy's final round of 68 marked his fourth straight round in the 60s at the final tune-up for next week's Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.
The win moves McIlroy up a place to No 2 in the world rankings, ahead of Spain's Jon Rahm, with only American Scottie Scheffler standing in his way of a return to the top slot.
It was his 16th DP World Tour victory and 24th PGA Tour crown.
“Really proud. That was such a tough day, especially the back nine. Really proud of how I stuck in there, I hit some really nice shots down the stretch,” said McIlroy, whose last title came in January's Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.
“It's been a long six months since I won in Dubai, and hopefully that breaks the seal for me.”
When asked about his approach shot to the 18th green, he said: “Four iron was only getting to the front of the green, so I hit two iron and it came out perfectly – probably the best shot I've hit all year.
“I knew the putt was going to get to the hole because it was downwind. I thought it might have been missing left, but it hung on in. It's amazing for the race to Dubai, for the FedEx and for my own confidence as well.”
This win came just days before McIlroy, 34, returns to the scene of his only Open triumph in 2014 – with the last of his major victories coming a month later at the US PGA Championship.
In June's US Open, McIlroy lost by one shot to the American Wyndham Clark at Los Angeles Country Club.
MacIntyre had been fortunate to find the spectator walkway following a wild drive on the 18th, but took full advantage by hitting a stunning approach with a fairway wood to within four feet of the hole.
The left-hander began the final round five shots behind McIlroy, but made good on his promise to relish “absolutely brutal” weather as he followed birdies on the third and sixth with an eagle on the par-five 10th.
A birdie on the 14th moved MacIntyre into the outright lead for the first time and he immediately doubled his advantage after a stunning approach to the next finished inches from the hole.
McIlroy kept himself in contention with a birdie on the 11th and a vital par save on the 12th, with the World No 3 thinking his putt had missed before it caught the edge of the hole and dropped.
After MacIntyre bogeyed the par-five 16th, McIlroy holed from about 40 feet on the 14th to share the lead.
MacIntyre's amazing birdie on the 18th completed a stunning 64 and edged him back in front.
However, after missing from eight feet on the par-five 16th, McIlroy conjured up a magical finish to seal a brilliant fightback.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday Celta Vigo v Villarreal (midnight kick-off UAE)
Saturday Sevilla v Real Sociedad (4pm), Atletico Madrid v Athletic Bilbao (7.15pm), Granada v Barcelona (9.30pm), Osasuna v Real Madrid (midnight)
Sunday Levante v Eibar (4pm), Cadiz v Alaves (7.15pm), Elche v Getafe (9.30pm), Real Valladolid v Valencia (midnight)
Monday Huesca v Real Betis (midnight)
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
3%20Body%20Problem
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The BIO
Favourite piece of music: Verdi’s Requiem. It’s awe-inspiring.
Biggest inspiration: My father, as I grew up in a house where music was constantly played on a wind-up gramophone. I had amazing music teachers in primary and secondary school who inspired me to take my music further. They encouraged me to take up music as a profession and I follow in their footsteps, encouraging others to do the same.
Favourite book: Ian McEwan’s Atonement – the ending alone knocked me for six.
Favourite holiday destination: Italy - music and opera is so much part of the life there. I love it.
