RORY McIlroy has his sights set on heading into the Open Championship on the back of victory in the Genesis Scottish Open after enjoying a superb start to the £7million event.
McIlroy recorded an eagle and six birdies in an opening six-under-par 64 at The Renaissance Club that left him three shots off the lead held by South Korea's Ben An, whose flawless 61 equalled the course record.
"It's a really good start," McIlroy said. "I've not had particularly great results around this course the last couple of times but I feel like my game is definitely in better shape now.
"I feel like I'm coming in here playing really good golf, producing good results and getting myself in contention and I'm just really trying to do the same things and adapt to the different conditions we're going to face over the next couple of weeks."
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Next week is, of course, the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, where McIlroy won the third of his four major titles nine years ago.
"My mind is pretty much on this week," the 34-year-old added. "I've got myself off to a great start and I would love to win the Scottish Open.
"That's a massive deal in its own right and what that could give me going into the summer... look we've got the Open Championship next week but thinking ahead to FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai and all that, it's an important week.
87 feet of putts made in six holes for @McIlroyRory
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) July 13, 2023
He leads the way in Scotland at -4.#GenesisScottishOpen | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/tvt2yMoXHP
"I'm focused on this week but it's great that by playing this week I should be getting a little bit more prepared for links golf again next week as well.
"I didn't touch my clubs for 10 days after the Travelers but I've got some really good feelings in my swing that I think are quite consistent and even if I do take a bit of time away I feel really comfortable getting back into it.
"It was a nice reset but after today it feels like I came back where I left off."
An’s closest challenger after the opening round is American Davis Riley, who carded a 63, while Thomas Detry shares third spot with McIlroy.
Padraig Harrington’s 67 has him in the top 20, while Tom McKibbin (70) and Shane Lowry (71) need good days today to make the weekend.
Seamus Power was two over par when he retired after nine holes.
