Rory McIlroy’s return to competitive golf has gotten off to a strong start at next week’s Scottish Open.
McIlroy was five under, one shot behind leaders Maximilian Kiefer and Li Haotong, who both shot 64.
It was the 35-year-old's first appearance since a painful final day at the U.S. Open last month, when he missed two putts inside four feet over the final five holes of the tournament and failed to hold on to a two-shot lead, allowing Bryson DeChambeau to win by one shot.
“I felt like it was a little slow at the beginning,” McIlroy said after his comeback. “It was a little up and down. I hit a couple of good shots in the first couple of holes that I think I haven't seen in the last 10 days of practice.”
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“It kind of reminded me that golf isn’t as easy as I sometimes think it is! Then I started to feel good, especially on the front nine, and I started to hit some good tee shots and iron chances.
“Overall it was a good start, especially after a chaotic start on the first seven holes.”
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McIlroy had three birdies and two bogeys on the back nine at Renaissance Club to finish at one under.
However, he made eagle on the third hole and added two more birdies on the front nine in tricky conditions.
A week after the U.S. Open, McIlroy took a break from the game to “take care of everything and strengthen his body” to prepare for his latest Grand Slam championship at the Scottish title defense and the British Open, and spent a few days in Manhattan to reflect on his performance in the U.S. Open.
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“I have always liked to solve problems on my own. I don't like to ask for advice from others because for me, I always want to decide success and disappointment on my own,” he added.
“I think it’s good to be able to figure things out on your own and give yourself time.”
This season you can watch Rory McIlroy live on Sky Sports from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. On Friday at 9:30am you can watch the Genesis Scottish Open live on Sky Sports Golf before the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 18-21. Watch the PGA Tour, Majors and more with NOW.
