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Julio Cesar Valdera Morales is a Newsweek contributor based in Spain. His focus is golf as well as politics and economics. Julio has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously practiced law. Julio earned his Masters Degree at the University of Havana. You can get in touch with Julio by emailing j.morales@newsweek.com.
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy debuted a new haircut at the Genesis Scottish Open, attracting fans’ attention in the days leading up to the event. As is often the case, the reigning Masters champion did not arrive at this hairstyle by accident.
However, the reason for his hair being so short is much more bizarre than one might think. McIlroy revealed it during an interview with CBS after finishing the third round at The Renaissance:
“I’m getting a little gray as everyone probably knows and I stupidly thought that by going shorter it would take the grays out and if anything, I think it makes me look more gray,” he said.
The five-time major winner took the opportunity to give a hint about the upcoming event that lives rent-free in his thoughts.
“It’ll grow back. That’s a good thing. It’ll be in perfect length for the Ryder Cup in September.”
Rory McIlroy’s New Hairstyle Has Worked Wonders for Him
His new hairstyle may not have helped him get rid of his gray hair, but it’s likely he will maintain this look for some time. Whether or not it’s for this reason, Rory McIlroy is currently co-leading the Scottish Open with just 18 holes remaining.
McIlroy started the third round tied for sixth, four strokes behind the 36-hole leader, Chris Gotterup. However, while he carded five birdies and a bogey to climb five places on the leaderboard, Gotterup could only post even par and wasn’t able to prevent the Grand Slammer from tying him at the top.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th green on day two of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts on the 18th green on day two of the Genesis Scottish Open 2025 at The Renaissance Club on July 11, 2025 in North Berwick, Scotland.
Warren Little/Getty Images
However, the day was not a walk in the park for the Northern Irishman:
“I was even par through seven…I felt like the conditions were tougher as the day went on and the back nine played more difficult today than it did yesterday, at least for me,” he said.
“I think the wind and the conditions we got are sort of similar to what the afternoon wave got yesterday. But I controlled my ball flight well and did what I needed to do, close on the last two holes as well. Overall happy with the day’s work.”
Rory McIlroy will be chasing his 30th PGA Tour title and 20th DP World Tour title on Sunday. He will tee off in the final round at 8:40 a.m. Eastern Time, sharing a group with Wyndham Clark and Chris Gotterup.
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