Morikawa eyes success as home course hero makes the cut at Scottish Open

Collin Morikawa shot a 66 to move up the Scottish Open leaderboard and is hoping for success this week and next as he prepares for Troon.

The American recovered from a slow start to reach nine under, heading to the clubhouse three shots off the top.

Morikawa famously won the Open in 2021 and is aiming for a repeat of that golden moment when the major gets underway at Troon next week.

He sees the Scottish Open as the perfect preparation, having felt the benefits before.

“I got a lot out of it,” he told STV after completing his second round. “I didn’t drive it particularly well and found a lot of the long grass but made some birdies and made some putts.

“When I won the Open in 2021 I gave a lot of the credit to coming out here. Part of the reason was because I had never played links golf.

“I’ve made it a thing this year to play the week before, to get mentally prepped for next week but obviously to win this golf tournament.

“I haven’t had the best finishes out here but hopefully I can continue (good form) this weekend.”

Scots golfer Grant Forrest had a moment to remember at the Renaissance Club on Thursday when he made an incredible shot on the 18th to birdie the last, ensuring qualification for the weekend.

Forrest is playing on his home course and he said that making the cut was a big step at a venue that’s close to his heart.

“You know, 18 is one of the tougher holes out here, especially with the pin tucked on the right like it is today,” he said.

“I hit a decent tee shot and I don’t know where it came from but I hit a brilliant 5 iron and it lipped out. It finished about three feet out.

“What a relief to get in and it’s not going to be an anxious wait now.

“It’s been quite a rough stretch in the last few months on the golf course.

“The Scottish Open means a lot to me and I’m just delighted I can be here for another two days and hopefully find some better golf at the weekend.”