PGA Tour
McIlroy Takes Command at Renaissance
Rory McIlroy leads the Genesis Scottish Open after a scintillating opening round at The Renaissance Club, posting -5 alongside three others to set the early tone. McIlroy shares the summit with Patrick Cantlay, Tom Kim, and Bernd Wiesberger, all carding 65s on a course that’s playing soft and scoreable. The field is bunched tight: nine players sit within one shot of the lead, making this a wide-open affair heading into Round 2.
Our Pre-Tournament Pick
Ben Griffin doesn’t appear on the leaderboard after Round 1, suggesting our pre-event selection has either missed the cut or withdrawn. A frustrating start for our pick, and a reminder that even well-researched angles don’t always translate in stroke play. We’ll monitor his status as the tournament progresses.
Who’s in Contention
Rory McIlroy leads at -5 and is the clear market favorite at 9/1 with bet365. The Northern Irishman rarely starts slow at Scottish events and will be hungry to maintain momentum into the weekend. Win probability models reflect his position: he’s the only player in single-figure odds.
Patrick Cantlay and Tom Kim are joint-second at -5, trading at 45/1 and 60/1 respectively. Both have the form and temperament to push McIlroy hard over 54 holes. Cantlay especially thrives in events where patience and course management trump aggression.
Min Woo Lee sits one back at -4 with odds of 45/1. The Australian has been sharp all season and sits just a stroke adrift of the lead pack. Don’t overlook his chances heading into the second round.
Round 2 Betting Angles
The Renaissance Club is a thinking man’s course, and those who can control their irons and lag their putts will prosper. McIlroy’s short game looked immaculate in Round 1, and at 9/1, he remains the best-backed player in the field for good reason.
Watch for consolidation from Cantlay and Kim. Both shot clean, efficient rounds and are positioned perfectly to hunt McIlroy without taking undue risk. At 45/1 and 60/1, they offer value for those backing second-round momentum.
Wiesberger at 200/1 is likely too short despite sharing the lead; his odds suggest the market is skeptical of his staying power. Conversely, Lee at 45/1 looks underrated given his proximity to the leaders and superior recent form.
Our Updated Pick
Odds: 45/1 – bet365
Cantlay sits joint-second at -5, just a stroke behind McIlroy, and has the composure to navigate The Renaissance Club’s demands over 54 holes. His short game is elite and his course management rarely falters. At 45/1, there’s genuine value in backing him to overtake the leader and manage the cut.
Top 5 After Round 1
| Pos | Player | R1 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rory McIlroy | 65 | -5 |
| 2 | Patrick Cantlay | 65 | -5 |
| 3 | Tom Kim | 65 | -5 |
| 4 | Bernd Wiesberger | 65 | -5 |
| 5 | Min Woo Lee | 66 | -4 |
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