Rory McIlroy Birdies Final 2 Holes to Win Scottish Open Ahead of 2023 British Open

In one of the most clutch performances of his illustrious career, Rory McIlroy won the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday in come-from-behind fashion after getting birdies on the final two holes.

Going into the 17th hole, McIlroy trailed Scotland native Robert MacIntyre by one stroke but went on to hit some of his most impressive shots of the season to earn the win and give himself some momentum ahead of The Open at Royal Liverpool next weekend.

"That was such a tough day -- so tough," McIlroy said. "To play that back nine in 4-under par to win the tournament, I'm really proud of how I stuck in there. I hit some amazing shots down the stretch. It feels incredible. It's been a long six months, I feel, since I won in Dubai. I've given myself tons of chances, and hopefully this win sort of breaks the seal for me, especially going into next week."

McIlroy, 34, helped seal the deal with an insane approach shot on the 18th hole. He hit a 2-iron into the wind from 201 yards out and landed it just 10-feet from the pin, leaving himself with a very makable putt for the final birdie and the victory.

It's the type of shot that reminded everyone why he's consistently among the game's best, despite a nine-year major drought.

"It's probably the best shot I've hit all year," McIlroy said. "When you hit a shot like that, I feel like I deserved to hole the putt to finish it off like that."

With the win, McIlroy now supplants John Rahm and takes over the No. 2 spot in the world rankings behind Scottie Scheffler, who finished tied for third in Scotland.

McIlroy will have an opportunity to end his drought on a course that he's comfortable and familiar with. His last major was won at Royal Liverpool at The Open in 2014, it'd be a full circle moment if he's able to recapture the Claret Jug this year.

The Open is set to begin July 20 and run through the 23rd.