NORTH BERWICK (AFP) – Rory McIlroy hopes his thrilling Scottish Open win on Sunday proves the ideal preparation for next week’s British Open.
The four-time major winner had seen his one-shot overnight lead evaporate on a day where 40mph winds made scoring difficult at the Renaissance Club.
But having missed from eight feet for birdie on the par-five 16th, the Northern Irishman made no such mistake from closer range on the par-three 17th to join Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre on 14 under.
McIlroy then played a stunning approach shot on the 18th before a successful 10-foot putt snatched victory from home favourite MacIntyre for his first win in Scotland.
Now McIlroy will return to Hoylake, near Liverpool, the scene of his only British Open triumph and the last of his four major titles, in buoyant mood.
“I’m really proud,” said McIlroy, 34.
