WWelcome to GOLF.com's “Seen & Heard” video series, where we give you an inside look at golf's biggest events through the eyes and ears of our local team. On deck this week: the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, In Scotland. Let's go!
CYMI: The Ryder Cup game reaches Scotland | Seen and Heard at Genesis Scottish Open Day 1
After all the drama of Monday's Ryder Cup announcement, on Wednesday the golf world looked to the Renaissance Club, where Rory McIlroy is not only the defending champion but also making his first appearance since the US Open.
McIlroy led the back nine Sunday at Pinehurst but bogeyed three of the last four holes to lose by one to Bryson DeChambeau.
“I think the way I described Pinehurst on Sunday was like it was a good day until it was gone,” McIlroy said.
McIlroy took heat for not meeting the media after his late speech. He said on Wednesday that the media was his biggest concern at the time, but Sean Zak was impressed by how much he was willing to share, three weeks later.
“Today, he had one question and only spoke for three minutes,” said Zak. “I just get rid of all the thoughts that will come up that week.”
McIlroy also addressed criticism from his ex-husband, Harry Diamond, after his fall. Both golf instructor Hank Haney and NBC broadcaster Smylie Kaufman said Diamond could have been more vocal at Pinehurst.
“Hank Haney has never been in that position. “Smylie has been in that position,” said McIlroy. “I love Smylie, and he was there when we were 18, but just because Harry doesn't talk and doesn't talk as much as other caddies, doesn't mean he doesn't say anything and doesn't do anything. I just want you to know, these are the critics when things don't work out in my way, they never say anything good when things are going well for me.”
Another person who has spoken about the tough times in professional golf was runner-up to McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre last year.
MacIntyre is playing his first season on the PGA Tour this year and has been open about his struggles adjusting to life in Florida.
But this week it's back home for the Scot, who hails from Oban.
“When I go back to Oban, I'm treated like Bob, one of the lads, not Robert MacIntyre, the golfer,” MacIntyre said. “I think it should be like that. I think people are sometimes put too much into steps. “
Zak and James Colgan then explore the town of Gullane, where they find an antique hickory golf club shop where the owner explains to Zak the allure of playing hickory clubs.
For information on all of the GOLF team's activities in Scotland, check out the full playlist above — and stay tuned for more Seen & Heard throughout the week.
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