Rory McIlroy has issued a candid assessment of his form ahead of the Open Championship, indicating he is currently at only 80% of his desired performance level. This statement follows a commendable start at the Scottish Open, where he finished his first round with three consecutive birdies.
Despite celebrating his first Masters victory earlier this year, McIlroy has not secured a win since then. He took a break from competitive golf to “hide” from the sport and recharge. Now, back at the Renaissance Club in Scotland, he displayed a promising performance, concluding the round at two under par.
Starting off with a bogey on the first hole, McIlroy quickly regained momentum, birdying the sixth and making a remarkable par save on the seventh. His closing three birdies showcased his potential, propelling him into a strong position as he prepared for his early round on Friday.
The Scottish Open features a competitive field, with some of the PGA Tour’s top talents participating, including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Aberg, and Justin Thomas. Scheffler made an impressive start, eagling his first hole and finishing three under for his opening round.
This tournament serves as crucial preparation for the upcoming Open Championship, which will take place in McIlroy’s home country of Northern Ireland at Portrush. Both courses share similarities in their links style, making this week an essential warm-up for competitors.
Reflecting on his performance, McIlroy stated, “Probably like 80 percent. Felt like I struggled a lot in left-to-right winds today.” He expressed comfort with right-to-left winds but acknowledged challenges with certain tee shots that allowed the wind to influence his ball too much.
McIlroy has been working to adapt his game to the varying wind conditions, noting that last week’s practice sessions were focused on different wind directions. He added, “The next three days gives me that opportunity to get a bit more comfortable with that.”
As he aims to refine his skills before the major championship, McIlroy’s insights highlight the importance of preparation and adaptability in the sport. With the Open Championship approaching, all eyes will be on his progress and performance over the next few days.