Scottish Open 2026: Scottie Scheffler misses first cut in four years

Ludvig Aberg, who carded a 71, is set to miss the cut by one shot, while Jon Rahm is poised to squeeze into the weekend after a superb 65 lifted him to two under.

Rory McIlroy, who shared the first-round lead with other players, was among the late starters on Friday.

In contrast to Scheffler’s troubles, playing partner Matt Fitzpatrick thrived to move within one of the clubhouse lead set by fellow Englishman Jordan Smith.

Fitzpatrick, chasing a fourth win of the season, laid the groundwork with five birdies in a row from the 11th – his second hole – to charge up the leaderboard.

That momentum proved difficult to maintain as Fitzpatrick mixed three bogeys with three birdies thereafter in a 65 to reach eight under.

“Just felt like I did everything pretty solid. I feel fortunate enough to say that a lot this year,” said Fitzpatrick.

“This stretch of sort of March, February onwards to now, it’s definitely the best golf I’ve played in my career.”

Smith, the world number 82, benefited from a recent break as he tore round in 63 to set the target at nine under.

“I had three weeks off, put the clubs away for a week and then came back re-energised and looking forward to this next stretch,” he said.

“Things are feeling good. I’m in a good mental space and just need to keep it going.”