The 2025 Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club began with ideal scoring conditions and plenty of early low rounds. But while the leaderboard buzzed with action, Thursday’s play took a turn when Rikuya Hoshino was forced to withdraw due to a neck injury late in his round.
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Hoshino, one of Japan’s rising stars on the PGA Tour, had teed off with Joe Dean and Ryggs Johnston and made it through 16 holes before calling it a day. His round included four bogeys and a birdie on the back nine, along with one birdie and one bogey before the turn. The physical discomfort visibly affected his swing late, leading to the early exit.
Prior to arriving in Scotland, Hoshino had shown some flashes of form at the John Deere Classic, where he went 65-72-74-64 to finish 9-under and tied for 41st. That momentum, however, was cut short at The Renaissance Club.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted a 3-under 67 after battling swirling afternoon winds. He opened with an eagle and added three birdies, offset by a pair of bogeys, placing him three shots off the lead. Defending champion Robert MacIntyre shot 2-under, while veteran Adam Scott came in at 1-under.
The event also marks Rory McIlroy’s first European appearance since his historic Grand Slam victory. Sporting a fresh new look, McIlroy opened up about his refreshed mindset heading into the tournament.
“I think I do feel a little clearer,” he said Wednesday. “It’s amazing what ten days or two weeks of just a little bit of detachment can do for you, and sitting there being with your own thoughts for a while.”
While the tournament rolls on, all eyes will be on updates regarding Hoshino’s condition and whether he’ll be ready for upcoming events on the PGA Tour schedule.
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