Chris Gotterup Claims Scottish Open Title, With Girlfriend Samantha Rae Cheering Him On
The Genesis Scottish Open has wrapped up in thrilling fashion, with Chris Gotterup emerging as the unexpected but deserving champion. The 25-year-old American outlasted a star-studded field, finishing at 15-under par to edge out Rory McIlroy and claim the biggest victory of his career so far.
Heading into Sunday’s final round at The Renaissance Club, Gotterup was tied at the top with McIlroy, but while big names like Marco Penge (-13), Nicolai Højgaard (-12), Matt Fitzpatrick (-12), and Justin Rose (-11) tried to close the gap, it was Gotterup who stayed cool under pressure and delivered when it mattered most.
But Gotterup wasn’t alone in his moment of glory. Watching closely and cheering him on was his girlfriend, Samantha Rae, who has quietly become a pillar of support in his rise through the ranks of professional golf. During the tournament, Samantha posted a touching tribute on Instagram: a photo of the couple standing in front of a red, heart-shaped balloon arch, smiling brightly. She captioned it simply, “Love loving you” — a phrase that spoke volumes about their bond.
While Samantha Rae keeps a relatively low profile in the public eye, it’s clear from their social media presence that the two share a close and affectionate relationship. Whether she’s walking the course beside him, offering encouragement during the tough rounds, or celebrating wins from the gallery, she’s become an important part of Gotterup’s journey.
A native of the U.S., Samantha is believed to have met Gotterup during his college golf days. She often appears in his posts from tournament weeks, vacations, and off-season moments, adding a touch of warmth and normalcy to the fast-paced life of a rising sports star. Known for her style and understated charm, she’s quickly becoming a familiar face to fans of Gotterup.
As for Gotterup, who turns 26 next week, the future is bright. With powerful drives that can rival even the likes of McIlroy, and a steadily improving short game, he’s quickly making a name for himself on the international stage. This was only his second start in Europe, but he handled the pressure like a seasoned veteran, showing poise and precision throughout the week.
Now, with the Scottish Open title in hand and momentum firmly on his side, Gotterup heads into next week’s Open Championship as one of the breakout stars to watch in 2025. And with Samantha Rae in his corner, both on and off the course, he’s got more than just talent driving him forward — he’s got love, loyalty, and unwavering support too.