Chris Gotterup beat Rory McIlroy at The Renaissance Club last year with the whole crowd cheering against him. Now he’s back, two shots off the lead, and chasing a second straight title. And he’s not shy about his secret behind beating McIlroy.
Speaking to the media at The Renaissance Club on July 10, Gotterup was asked about competing against Rory McIlroy and Bob MacIntyre. He kept it straightforward.
“Yeah, yeah, there was a couple more positive for me. But, yeah, it’s been fun. I mean, I’m expecting that when I come over here.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – AUGUST 19: Chris Gotterup of the United States walks off the 18th tee during the 3rd round of the Korn Ferry Tour – Magnit Championship on August 19, 2023 at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 19 Korn Ferry Tour – Magnit Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon23081922956
JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – AUGUST 19: Chris Gotterup of the United States walks off the 18th tee during the 3rd round of the Korn Ferry Tour – Magnit Championship on August 19, 2023 at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire GOLF: AUG 19 Korn Ferry Tour – Magnit Championship EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon23081922956
Gotterup, the 26-year-old, sits at seven under par after 36 holes of the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland. He is two shots behind co-leaders McIlroy, Tom Kim and Jordan Smith heading into Saturday’s third round.
Talking about his strategy, he said, “Yeah, I mean, they’re all very hard. But I think I’ve done a good job lately of just hanging around. And I’m in a good spot to kind of just lurk, and hopefully go play really well and not have to lurk.
Gotterup opened with a two-under 68 on Thursday, and he followed that with a five-under 65 on Friday to reach seven-under par for the tournament. His second round included a birdie on the par-4 13th, where he got up and down from 85 yards. The $9 million purse at The Renaissance Club has $1.62 million going to the winner.
“As long as I stay like I feel like I’m within distance, that’s all you can do, but without going crazy and, you know, trying to play too aggressive or anything. Just take what I’m given and go from there,” he added.
Gotterup finished his second round with a bogey on 18. He has five PGA Tour wins now. He knows what closing a tournament feels like. That experience shapes how he is thinking about the weekend.
Chris Gotterup Returns as a Different Player Than the One Who Left
Since winning here in 2025, Gotterup has won four more times on the PGA Tour. He jumped to No. 7 in the world rankings after last week’s John Deere Classic win. He placed third at The Open Championship on his major debut at Royal Portrush last year.
The defending champion arrived in Scotland off the back of a win at the John Deere Classic last week, his third PGA Tour victory of the season.
“I’d be lying if I said this year wasn’t a massive success,” Gotterup said after the John Deere on July 5, per a transcript by ASAP Sports. “Hopefully I still have some tournaments left, and hopefully keep it going.”
He is trying to become the first player to successfully defend the Scottish Open title. A win Sunday would also make him the first player to win two consecutive starts since Scottie Scheffler won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship back-to-back in 2024.
McIlroy leads by two. Gotterup is right behind him. Saturday starts at 14:51 BST.
Do you think Gotterup can defend his Scottish Open title this weekend? Tell us in the comments!
