2 months ago
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Chris Gotterup revelled in his role as party-pooper after beating Rory McIlroy down the stretch to win the Genesis Scottish Open.
The big-hitting American fired an excellent 66 on the final day at The Renaissance to get the better of the Masters champion.
Gotterup, 25, who had equalled the course record last Friday with a 61, savoured the greatest day of his career thus far. He pocketed the winner’s cheque for close to £1.2million and also booked a place in this week’s Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Playing alongside the most popular golfer on the planet, he afforded himself a smile afterwards and acknowledged not many in the crowd were pulling for him.
‘Yeah, I was definitely the villain out there a little bit,’ said Gotterup, whose only other victory came on the PGA Tour last year in the Myrtle Beach Classic. ‘There was a lot of people chanting “Rory” and not many people chanting “Chris”. Rory is one of the best to ever do it.
‘I knew it was going to be a battle. I’m happy I was able to edge him out and get the job done. I was pretty choked-up afterwards. I felt like I was mentally prepared and dealt with things well. My goal was to hang in there tough and I felt like I did that really.
Chris Gotterup secured the biggest win of his career with a final-round 66 in the Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy had the crowd on his side as he played alongside Gotterup at The Renaissance
Gotterup's victory has booked him a place in this week's Open Championship at Royal Portrush
‘I know this tournament is special to Scotland and everyone in the golf world for the most part.
‘I mean, you look at the names on the board, they have it in the gym every day, and I’m so happy to put my name up next to those guys.’
Asked if it was the greatest day of his career, he replied: ‘Yeah, I would say so. Winning last year for the first time was great, but this feels like more validation and kind of like the next step.’
Gotterup had been due to travel back to America this week to play in the Barracuda Championship in California. Instead, he will now make the short hop to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
‘It feels great to be cancelling those flights — I might do it right now in front of you,’ he joked.
‘It’s my first Open Championship and I’m really excited to get over to Portrush. I’m happy I’m not flying all the way from here to California, that’s for sure.’
Gotterup revealed he had to overcome a warning for slow play during his final round, something which he felt was totally unjust. He added: ‘We got warned on, like, 13 for pace, which was a little odd because we were waiting all day.
‘Then we got to 15 and I got individually timed, which was shocking, and so that got my blood going a little bit more than it was already going trying to win a golf tournament.
‘I am proud of how I held it together and made some good putts. Once I made the birdie on 16, I kind of felt like it was my tournament to lose from there.’
