Ricky Fowler offered some comforting words for struggling Rory McIlroy with the World No. 4 crashing to four over par after just four holes on day one of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open at Dundonald Links.
McIlroy eventually carded a disappointing two over par 74 to already be trailing seven shots behind Fowler who shares second with Padraig Harrington, Aussie Andrew Dodt and the England duo of Ian Poulter and Callum Shinkwin and all five shooting 67s.
Rickie Fowler offers some words of comfort for struggling Rory McIlroy.
Finish Mikko Ilonen leads by two with a first new tournament course record 65.
McIlroy’s long game is still in tack, as evident in hitting 11 of 14 fairways in regulation, but his short game is clearly in disarray, and with The Open now less than a week away.
He was back pedalling early in bogeying his second and third holes before landing his second short at the 13th or his fourth hole short, and only to see the ball roll back into a burn.
And while McIlroy was not approached after his round, Fowler was full of confidence the four-time Major winner will turn around what is now three scores in succession where he has failed to break par.
“Rory didn’t make the swings he wanted to today, but he did a great job of hanging in there and kept fighting,” said Fowler.
“I know we didn’t necessarily talk about the game out there but I know he’s in a great spot with his personal life.
“He’s always been one of the best guys out here and it has been fun to build that relationship.
“He had a great week last week with his Foundation being involved with the Irish Open.
“So, he’ll be fine. He’s one of the best players in the world”.
