Overview
- Rory McIlroy opened the Genesis Scottish Open with a five-under 65 at The Renaissance Club on Thursday, marking his first competitive links round of the year.
- During media appearances that included a live ESPN interview, he answered ambiguously when asked if he expects to still be playing in 10 years, saying only, “We’ll see.”
- McIlroy says he has deliberately cut non-major events this season to see his family more and to protect his energy and enjoyment for the majors.
- He credited improved driving for his strong start at the Scottish Open and said that lighter scheduling has kept his tournament beginnings sharp.
- After completing the career Grand Slam in 2025 and defending the Masters in April 2026, McIlroy frames his career as a ‘continuous journey’ and has not announced any retirement plans, a stance that could affect how often he plays in Europe and on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.