Chris Gotterup gives honest take on pairing with Rory McIlroy and Wyndham Clark in Scottish Open final round

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Chris Gotterup kept his composure during Saturday’s round at The Scottish Open, carding an even-par to remain firmly in the mix.

His consistent approach put him in the final group for Sunday’s decisive round – alongside none other than Rory McIlroy and Wyndham Clark.

With thick morning fog in the forecast, organisers have opted to adjust the format for the final day, switching from traditional pairs to threesomes and moving tee times forward to keep ahead of the weather.

McIlroy will have plenty of support as always, while Clark and Gotterup will be more like visitors on his home turf.

The question now is whether being grouped with two big names is an advantage or a distraction for Gotterup as he chases his first title of the season. Let’s break down both sides of that scenario.

Chris Gotterup reacts to pairing with Rory McIlroy and Wyndham Clark in the final round

Gotterup put in a solid shift on Saturday at The Renaissance Club, holding his ground in tough conditions.

It’s never simple to follow up a 61 with another strong round, but the American managed it well. A level-par 70 was a decent return given the wind and how firm the greens had become.

This Sunday in Scotland presents another big test, and Gotterup looks ready to embrace it. After his round, he spoke about what it means to be grouped with Rory McIlroy and Wyndham Clark for the final day.

He replied: “Yeah, I’m happy it’s not a 3.45 tee time again. That’s what you practise for. I’m in a good spot. If you came to me on Tuesday and said that was the case, I would have taken it. I’m excited for tomorrow and yeah, a good day ahead of us.

“I mean, I know what I’m capable of. I’ve won before. Obviously different tournament. But I won in college, and I’ve won before. So I know what it takes. It’s going to take a good round for sure, and I’m going to go give it my best.“

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Chris Gotterup’s PGA Tour results this season

Before this week, Gotterup wasn’t a name many European fans would have recognised.

But he’s shown that there’s real talent there.

His season results so far haven’t quite reflected what he’s capable of, though.

This run at The Renaissance Club has been unexpected given how up and down his year has been. He hasn’t put together a consistent stretch of form until now.

Sunday brings something new for him – playing alongside McIlroy and Clark in a big final round. It’s the kind of experience he hasn’t faced before.