McIlroy and Lowry could make history, while Fleetwood and Kim hope to go one better at the 2023 Genesis Scottish Open. Here are the key storylines heading into the final round at The Renaissance Club.
Rory seeking history in Scotland
Rory McIlroy is chasing a unique slice of history on Sunday at the Genesis Scottish Open.
The Northern Irishman will take a one-shot lead into the final round at The Renaissance Club after a battling 67 on day three, and could earn more than just a title if he were to take home his second Rolex Series victory following his win in Dubai in January.
If he were to convert his 54-hole lead, McIlroy would become the first person in history to have won all three of the Scottish Open, Irish Open and The Open Championship. It's an accolade many have tried to achieve before, but one McIlroy can turn into reality if he adds to his 2014 win at The Open, and his victory at the 2016 Irish Open.
He's not the only one who could do it, either. Shane Lowry, who made history as the first amateur to win the Irish Open in 2009 and then claimed The Open at Royal Portrush ten years later in 2019, is just three behind heading into the final round.
An impressive third round 65 has him firmly in contention, while Padraig Harrington will start the round six strokes behind McIlroy as he also tries to achieve the feat.
"I'm pretty happy with where I sit going into tomorrow," said Lowry.
"It's going to be some strong winds. It's going to be tough scoring tomorrow. I knew I needed to go out today and shoot a good score to put myself in position. Obviously we all know who is at the top of the leaderboard, so it's not going to be easy. But I'll give it a go tomorrow and see what happens."
Fleetwood hunting for redemption in Scotland
Tommy Fleetwood will start his final round just two strokes behind as he goes in search of his first Genesis Scottish Open title three years after missing out in a play-off to Aaron Rai.
The Englishman also finished in a tie for fourth last year but did not look like he would be in contention this time around on Friday afternoon. A double-bogey on the eighth in round two left him level par but since then he has made 12 birdies and a single bogey, which includes eight birdies during round three.
Fleetwood fought his way back up the leaderboard on Sunday, and although weather expected to play its part on Sunday, Fleetwood is not giving up on Scottish Open redemption and a third Rolex Series title.
"Of course I'm excited about being somewhere near contention and having a chance tomorrow," he said.
"I'd like to not get too far away and see what the conditions bring. If it's rough, it's rough. If it's nice, that will do too. You have to play it no matter what.
"But I'm happy after the first sort of 26 holes of the tournament to be in this position, I'm very pleased with it."
Kim trying to go one better than last year
Tom Kim made headlines at last year's Genesis Scottish Open with his somewhat unexpected second-place finish to Xander Schauffele. Tomorrow he has the chance to go one better, sitting just one behind leader McIlroy with a spot in the final group.
Since his performance last year Kim has become a multiple PGA Tour champion, and is now armed with a plethora of experience he will be hoping to carry into Sunday after battling a third round 67 on day three.
The 21 year old, who currently sits on 13 under par, went bogey-free in the third round and made some brilliant par saves, including at the 18th hole. And despite high winds forecasted for the final round, Kim said he is looking forward to the challenge.
" I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge," said Kim.
"Obviously last year was really tough obviously with the wind. So kind of curious how hard it's going to be. But I feel like when the wind blows, you've got to have a lot of patience and be mentally tough. Tomorrow is really a round where whoever really wants it the most.
"I'm kind of looking forward to it. It's going to be tough. I think it's going to be tough for everyone. So you've got to be mentally there more than anything. You've got to be patient. I think it's going to play a lot different than the last three days, so I look forward to the challenge.
Open Qualifying Series
The tournament within the tournament tomorrow will see players battle it out for one of the three spots available to qualify for the 151st Open Championship, being held next week.
The Genesis Scottish Open marks the third and final event on the DP World Tour in which three spots are up for grabs at Royal Liverpool. Following the Made in Himmerland and Betfred British Masters, the Open Qualifying Series culminates at the Genesis Scottish Open, which presents the final chance players have to earn one of three spots that are available to those not already exempt.
Tied on 10 under par, first round leader Byeong Hun An and American Eric Cole - who shot a third round 64 - are in line for the first two spots as it stands. A shot further back is Harry Hall on nine under, who carded a 66 on day three.
Vying to dethrone those three are a wealth of players in the groups behind. Just a shot behind Hall are Swedish trio David Lingmerth, Joakim Lagergren and Sebastian Soderberg, with Luke List and Maximillian Kieffer behind them on seven under.
Last week runner-up Nacho Elvira, along with Kalle Samooja and Marc Warren, earned their place in the field, while a week earlier it was winner Daniel Hillier, Oliver Wilson and Gunner Wiebe (who follows in his father's footsteps with an appearance) who made it through.
Sami Välimäki, Christian Bezuidenhout, Haydn Barron, Alejandro Cañizares and Lee earned their places at Hoylake via the series at the Joburg Open and ISPS HANDA Australian Open respectively earlier this season.
