This was perhaps the shot of the year so far – Rory McIlroy hit a drive 436 yards (down wind of course!) and drove the green during the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open on route to a course record 7-under par 64 (see his bag here). This was perhaps a sign that he would be able to handle himself on a links golf course as he did seem to struggle the past couple of years. However, this was not the case as he followed that amazing round with a 7-over 78 to sit at Even Par for the tournament. He would finish the third and fourth rounds with scores of 68 and 67 for a tournament score of 7-under par (T14), 9-shots back of Justin Rose, who won back-to-back tournaments!
Rory has always been one of the longest and most powerful players on tour. Earlier in the year, we featured an analysis of the power in his golf swing and even got to see his swing hold up against older equipment while comparing it to new equipment in the sport today. Golfers today are athletes and in addition to the equipment, their rigorous fitness routines have helped them to become better players with increased strength and flexibility.
Source: European Tour
