Scottie Scheffler's nearly four-year streak of making cuts ended at the Scottish Open on Friday, marking his first missed cut in 78 events. The world No. 1 golfer carded a 2-over-par 72 in the second round, finishing even par and two shots outside the projected cut line. Scheffler, who last missed a cut at the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship, expressed disappointment in his performance, citing a poor start and struggles with approach shots. 'I got off to a tough start, and on the back nine, I didn't feel like I was hitting it close enough to give myself enough opportunities,' he said. The missed cut comes just one week before Scheffler defends his title at the British Open at Royal Birkdale.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy shared a three-way lead at the Scottish Open after shooting a 4-under 66 in the second round. McIlroy, along with Jordan Smith (63) and Tom Kim (66), sits at 9-under par. McIlroy praised the course conditions, noting the clarity of the greens. 'I like these greens. I see the lines pretty well,' he said. Smith, a rookie, carded the low round of the week with an 8-birdie, 1-bogey 63. Matt Fitzpatrick and Min Woo Lee are one shot back in a share of fourth place, while Chris Gotterup and Robert MacIntyre are among a group at 7-under.
Scheffler's streak was the fifth-longest in PGA Tour history, trailing only Hale Irwin (86), Jack Nicklaus (105), Byron Nelson (113), and Tiger Woods (142). The longest active streak now belongs to Fitzpatrick at 28 consecutive cuts. Scheffler's early exit from the Scottish Open means he will have extra time to prepare for the British Open, where he will aim to defend his title at Royal Birkdale.