Rory McIlroy's plan to prepare for The Open was inadvertently revealed after the world No. 2 crossed paths with six-time major champion Sir Nick Faldo at Royal Birkdale. The final major of the year begins on July 16 at the Southport links, and McIlroy had hoped to keep his advance visit discreet.
Faldo Catches McIlroy on Reconnaissance Mission
Faldo stumbled upon McIlroy while the Ryder Cup hero was practising on the tournament course. McIlroy is known for visiting major championship venues in advance; he previously made a short trip to Augusta National before securing consecutive Masters titles. Faldo filmed McIlroy during his reconnaissance mission and quizzed him about the layout.
"Birkdale was definitely just a scouting trip for The Open for sure. I would have liked to have not have it known that I was there but Faldo couldn't put his phone away," McIlroy laughed during the Genesis Scottish Open. "I love Nick. In fairness, he's great. I had a good time with him. He walked a few holes with me."
McIlroy's Impressions of Renovated Birkdale
McIlroy travelled directly from Long Island and the US Open to get practice in ahead of The Open. He shared his impressions of the course following minor renovations. "It's good," McIlroy told Faldo. "A little bit different from 2017, the last time we played an Open here. Some different green complexes, different holes. The fifth hole I just played is completely different."
When asked about the fifth hole, McIlroy added: "I do like it, yeah. It's 300 to the front and it's a good drivable par four. It's a bit of a penalty if you go for it and you miss, I don't know if the water's quite in play on the right but there's a lot of big deep bunkers guarding the green."
Practice Rounds and Links Instincts
Faldo accompanied McIlroy for several holes before the reigning Masters champion headed off to play at St. Enodoc last Friday, enjoying several days in Cornwall with Luke Donald and Paul Lawrie. "I had never, like I had never heard of it before, and it's I guess a top hundred course in the world," McIlroy said. "It's really cool. But that was more just for enjoyment."
"You're going out to play, but yeah, it's nice, you start hitting the ball off links turf again and start to play in a little bit more wind. Your links instincts come back, even if it is for fun. The stuff that you've grown up with starts to come back to you," he added.
Return to Royal Birkdale
McIlroy tied for fourth place at the 146th Open Championship in 2017 and is relishing his return to Royal Birkdale. "I've always thought Birkdale is one of the best on The Open rota so I'm excited to be back," he said.
