Welcome to GOLF.com’s “Seen & Heard” video sequence, during which we offer you an inside have a look at golf’s greatest occasions by the eyes and ears of our onsite crew. On deck this week: the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Membership in North Berwick, Scotland. Let’s go!
ICYMI: Ryder Cup drama reaches Scotland | Seen & Heard on the Genesis Scottish Open Day 1
After all of the drama of Monday’s Ryder Cup announcement, on Wednesday the golf world’s consideration turned to the Renaissance Membership, the place Rory McIlroy shouldn’t be solely the defending champion however he’s additionally making his first look because the U.S. Open.
McIlroy had the lead on the again 9 Sunday at Pinehurst solely to bogey three out of the ultimate 4 holes to lose by one to Bryson DeChambeau.
“I believe the best way I’ve described Pinehurst on Sunday was prefer it was a terrific day till it wasn’t,” McIlroy mentioned.
McIlroy took warmth for not assembly with the press after his debacle down the stretch. He mentioned Wednesday the media was the least of his concern on the time, however Sean Zak was blown away by how a lot he was prepared to share, three weeks later.
“Right now, he had one query after which simply talked for, like, three minutes,” Zak mentioned. “Simply rattling off each thought that will come from that week.”
McIlroy additionally addressed criticism of his caddie, Harry Diamond, within the wake of his collapse. Each golf teacher Hank Haney and NBC broadcaster Smylie Kaufman mentioned Diamond may have been extra vocal down the stretch at Pinehurst.
“Hank Haney has by no means been in that place. Smylie has been in that place as soon as,” McIlroy mentioned. “I really like Smylie, and he was on the market with us on 18, however simply because Harry shouldn’t be as vocal or loud along with his phrases as different caddies, it doesn’t imply that he doesn’t say something and that he doesn’t do something. I simply want that, you realize, these guys that criticize when issues don’t go my method, they by no means say something good when issues do go my method.”
Another person who has been vocal in regards to the laborious occasions {of professional} golf is final yr’s runner-up to McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre.
Rory McIlroy forcefully defends ‘unfair’ U.S. Open caddie criticism
MacIntyre is taking part in his first season on the PGA Tour this yr and has been open about his struggles adjusting to life in Florida.
However this week is homecoming for the Scot, who hails from Oban.
”Once I return to Oban, I get handled as Bob, one of many boys, not Robert MacIntyre, the golfer,” MacIntyre mentioned. “I believe that’s the best way it needs to be. I believe individuals typically get put an excessive amount of on a pedestal.”
Zak and James Colgan then went exploring the city of Gullane, the place they discovered an old style hickory golf membership store at which the proprietor defined to Zak the attract of taking part in hickory golf equipment.
To atone for all of the GOLF workforce’s actions in Scotland, take a look at the total playlist above — and keep tuned for extra Seen & Heard all through the week.
