"I’ve had a little bit of a lull" – Rory McIlroy says he’s nearly back to Masters form after recent dip

Rory McIlroy believes that his golf game is trending in a good direction as he eyes finishing off the 2025 season strong. He spoke out about his motivation issues at this week's Genesis Scottish Open.

Following Rory McIlroy's incredible victory at the 2025 Masters Tournament, he struggled to put up good performances. The Northern Irishman described the phase as a "lull."

Now tied for the lead at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open with one round left to go, the Ryder Cup sensation shared that his motivation at the moment is high and he's enjoying playing golf.

Here's what Rory McIlroy had to say during a press conference after his third round at the Renaissance Club (via ASAP Sports):

"I think I'm pretty close to being back to the level I was at going into the Masters. I think I've had a little bit of a lull, which I feel is understandable. So I'm just getting back to the level that I know that I can play at."

The TGL co-founder was experiencing a brief period of ups and downs. After creating history at the Masters Tournament by accomplishing a career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy struggled to maintain momentum as he struggled with motivation issues.

During the 2025 PGA Championship, the father of one's driver was deemed to be non-conforming by the USGA. This affected McIlroy's performance momentarily.

He went on to tie for 47th place at the PGA Championship and also missed the cut at the following event. However, McIlroy seems to be back in shape with a top 20 finish at the US Open and a top 10 finish at the Travelers Championship.

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How did Rory McIlroy play in the third round of the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open?

Rory McIlroy posted a stunning 4-under-par 66 round at the Renaissance Club on Saturday, July 12.

He started off the day fairly strong with a birdie in the first three holes. He held strong by posting a bunch of pars. However, a bogey on the par 4 7th hole saw McIlroy card in a bogey.

Unfazed by the minor setback, the PGA Tour sensation followed up the hole with a birdie on the par 4 8th hole. He totalled 1 under par 34 for the front nine.

Determined to make his way to the top of the leaderboard, McIlroy posted three birdies on the back nine to post a 3-under-par 32 score for the last leg of the day. Having totalled 4 under par 66 for the day, the 36-year-old bossed 5 spots up the leaderboard to tie for the lead with Chris Gotterup.

Edited by Tushhita Barua