Rory McIlroy is already preparing for his next major championship.
McIlroy, days removed from a T-32 finish at the US Open at Sinek Hills, was at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England, on Thursday ahead of the July 16-19 British Open Championship.
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“I’m probably going to go play links golf this week,” McIlroy told reporters last Sunday, without specifically mentioning that it was a scouting trip to Birkdale, which will host the first British Open since Jordan Spieth won it in 2017.
Nick Faldo, who covers majors for Sky Sports, was also at Birkdale and encountered McIlroy on the course, recording an impromptu interview with the fellow six-time major champion.
“It’s good to get up here and play early,” McIlroy told Faldo. “That’s what I’ve tried to do every major tournament, and it’s worked out well for me. … Try playing some links golf and try to get used to the conditions again.”
McIlroy, who spent significant time at Augusta National before his second Masters win this year, said the course was “a little different” than it was nine years ago, most notably a few different holes and some new green complexes. McIlroy, who tied for fourth at Birkdale in 2017, said the driveable par-4 fifth hole was “completely different.” He missed the cut in 2008, his first full year as a pro.
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“I always thought Birkdale was one of the best players in the open rota,” McIlroy added.
McIlroy will next compete in the Genesis Scottish Open, which will be held in North Berwick, Scotland, the week before the Open.
