Genesis Scottish Open leaderboard: Round 3 scores in full as Rory McIlroy makes his move

Rory McIlroy says he is regaining the form that carried him to victory at The Masters, after surging into a share of the lead at the Scottish Open with a superb third-round 66.

The Northern Irishman started Saturday four shots behind overnight leader Chris Gotterup but closed the gap to draw level on 11 under par.

The duo will head into the final round two strokes clear of the chasing pack, after England's Matt Fitzpatrick and Marco Penge both dropped shots on the 18th, signing for one-under 69s to finish tied third with Americans Wyndham Clark and Jake Knapp.

McIlroy previously admitted that since achieving the career Grand Slam at Augusta National in April he has experienced a lack of motivation. 

But he feels his game is once again approaching its highest level as he targets a second Scottish Open title in the last three years.

During his round, the five-time major champ hit five birdies, including one on each par five, with his only blemish coming at the seventh, where he was forced to play out sideways from a fairway bunker.

"I think I'm very close to the standard I reached heading into the Masters," the 36-year-old said. 

"I've had a bit of a lull, which I think was natural after achieving something I'd dreamed of for so long. It was a huge milestone in my life and career.

"But coming back here over the past couple of weeks, I feel like I’ve been able to process everything, and I'm playing with fresh motivation and excitement again."

Gotterup, ranked 158th in the world, followed up his course-record tying 61 with an even-par 70 to remain tied for the lead.

Wyndham Clark, who has been struggling considerably in 2025, matched McIlroy's 66.

The 2023 US Open champion has only managed a single top-10 finish in 2024.

“It feels good to be in contention again," Clark said. "I've been rolling good putts all season without much to show for it. I made a couple of tweaks and finally started seeing the ball drop.”

Ludvig Åberg is also in the hunt. The Swede posted a 71 and sits four strokes behind the leaders.

Scottie Scheffler is a further shot back after a frustrating round of 71 in which he didn't card a birdie until the 13th.

Defending champion Bob MacIntyre, who narrowly made the cut, struggled to a 72 and stands one over par heading into Sunday.