Rory McIlroy, Jordan Smith, and Tom Kim share the lead as play resumes after weather interruption
Category: Sports
North Berwick, Scotland — The third round of the 2026 Genesis Scottish Open resumed on July 11 after a fog delay lasting more than two hours. Play was initially halted at 10:45 a.m. local time (5:45 a.m. ET) due to heavy fog, with only 17 players on the course. The fog, a cold sea mist known locally as haar, rolled in from the North Sea, creating challenging conditions for the competitors at The Renaissance Club.
Following the suspension, tournament officials announced that play would resume at 1:10 p.m. local time after a total delay of 2 hours and 25 minutes. Revised tee times were also released, pushing back the schedule for the remainder of the day. The final group of co-leaders, Jordan Smith and Tom Kim, is now set to tee off at 6:15 p.m. local time (1:15 p.m. ET), with Rory McIlroy, who shares the lead, teeing off just before them at 6:04 p.m. alongside Matt Fitzpatrick. Sunset in North Berwick is expected around 9:52 p.m. local time.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are high for the players, especially for McIlroy, who is vying for his second Scottish Open title. The six-time major champion began the tournament with an impressive opening round of 65, followed by a solid 66 in the second round, placing him at nine under par. McIlroy's performance has kept him in a three-way tie for the lead alongside Smith and Kim.
Smith made headlines with a tournament-best round of 63 on Friday, which included four consecutive birdies at the start of his day. His current position reflects a strong comeback after a third-place finish earlier this year at the Valspar Championship. Meanwhile, Kim, who is also in contention, is looking to capitalize on his opportunity to secure a victory.
Other notable players trailing closely include Matt Fitzpatrick and Min Woo Lee, both at eight under, and Chris Gotterup, the defending champion, who is two strokes off the lead. The competitive field has drawn attention for the skill displayed and for the implications of this tournament as a precursor to next week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
The weather has played a key role in the tournament's progression. The fog, characteristic of the region, is a common occurrence in Scotland, often impacting visibility and course conditions. AccuWeather reported a high of 61 degrees Fahrenheit with dreary skies expected throughout the day. Winds were predicted to blow out of the northeast at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 22 mph, and there was a 55% chance of rain, along with a 20% chance of thunderstorms.
As the players return to the course, they will need to navigate these unpredictable weather patterns. The delay has not only pushed back tee times but may also affect players' strategies as they contend with changing conditions. McIlroy noted, "I thought I played well again. You know, the wind definitely got up for us in the afternoon. We got off to a really nice start. Then, sort of by the turn, the wind had got to hit strongest and felt like it was hard to get the ball close to the pins and we were all making a lot of pars out there." His experience and adaptability will be tested as the tournament progresses.
Looking ahead, the final round of the Genesis Scottish Open is set to continue on Sunday, July 12, following the completion of the third round. The tournament serves as a key warm-up for players as they prepare for the Open Championship, where many will seek to refine their skills on links courses. The Scottish Open has historically provided insights into potential contenders for the major championship, with several players performing well in both events.
Television coverage for the third round will be available on CBS and Golf Channel, with streaming options through PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ and CBS's coverage via their streaming service, allowing fans to follow the action closely. As the leaderboard tightens, attention will turn to McIlroy, Smith, and Kim as they strive for victory in this prestigious event.
As the third round of the Genesis Scottish Open resumes and the sun sets over North Berwick, the excitement builds for what will likely be a thrilling finish to this year's tournament. With the final groups set to tee off later in the day, spectators and players alike are eager to see who will emerge victorious as they head into the final stretch.