PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — It was shortly after 2 in the afternoon Tuesday at Royal Portrush when Chris Gotterup emerged from a walkway and appeared at the first tee.

After outdueling Masters champion Rory McIlroy head-to-head to win for the second time on the PGA Tour and earning his first berth in the forthcoming British Open at Royal Portrush, Chris Gotterup struggled for what seemed like the first time all day. Winning the Genesis Scottish Open was quite the challenge. Talking about it was even more so.

Chris Gotterup during the final round of the John Deere Classic earlier this month; July 6, 2025; Silvis, Illinois

In the moments after his Scottish Open victory, Chris Gotterup had to choke back tears. Eventually, it became clear why.