Rory McIlroy Prepares for Open Championship at Royal Birkdale

Rory McIlroy is preparing for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where he finished tied-fourth in 2017.

What happened?

McIlroy gave a positive verdict of the course, saying it's one of the best on the Open rota.

He prepared at Birkdale this week ahead of the major from July 16-19.

The Northern Irishman won his sole Open title to date at Royal Liverpool in 2014.

Why it matters for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy will play in the Genesis Scottish Open a week before the Open Championship.

He won the event in 2023 and finished runner-up in a year ago.

This will be his chance to get used to links golf again.

What comes next?

The Open Championship will be held at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19, live on Sky Sports.

McIlroy will be looking to add a second Claret Jug to his collection.

He secured back-to-back Masters triumphs at Augusta National in April.

Rory McIlroy said in a video posted to Sir Nick Faldo's X account: "I've always thought Birkdale is one of the best on the Open rota, so excited to be back."

The 37-year-old added: "It's good. A little bit different from 2017, the last time we played an Open here."

McIlroy finished tied-32nd in last week's US Open at Shinnecock.

He will be looking to improve on that result at the Open Championship.

The fifth hole at Royal Birkdale is completely different, according to McIlroy.

He likes the new driveable par four, but notes that there is a penalty if you miss.

McIlroy will be playing at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19, live on Sky Sports.

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Watch The 154th Open Championship, from Royal Birkdale, live on Sky Sports from July 16-19.