RORY McIlroy believes he is "as close as I've ever been" to claiming another Major Championship as he enters what could be a defining fortnight in his season at the Genesis Scottish Open.

The Northern Irishman is part of a stellar field at the Renaissance Club that includes eight of the top 10 players.

The 34-year-old came into 2023 as the reigning European number one and FedExCup champion and made a perfect start to the calendar year with his maiden Rolex Series victory in Dubai.

He arrives in Scotland leading the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex following seven worldwide top 10 finishes since his triumph at Emirates Golf Club and is looking for back-to-back Rolex Series titles with an eye on the bigger picture, including next week's Open Championship.

 

 

The Scottish Open teed off this morning (Thursday) and concludes on Sunday evening.

McIlroy, who is already on the course for his first round, said: “My consistency in the performances, especially in the majors over the last couple years is way better than it has been over the last few years.

“So I'm really pleased at that but at the same time, having had a really good chance at St Andrews; having a really good chance in L.A. a few weeks ago.

“I need to keep putting myself in those positions obviously and the more times I go through them whether it be St Andrews or L.A., and just gaining that experience.

“You know, all of that stuff, even though I'm not getting the wins, it's going to stand by me for whenever I get myself in position again.”

Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele is once again ready to take on everything links golf can throw at him as he looks to mount a successful defence of his title at Scotland’s national open.

 

 

The American was the in-form player 12 months ago having won the Travelers Championship and the JP McManus Pro-Am before arriving in Scotland and the 29-year-old continued that run with a seven-under total handing him a one-shot win and a first Rolex Series title.

The defending champion said: “It's always nice to come back to a place that brings good memories or that you have good memories at and this is one of those places for me.

“Always nice to be on this side of the pond.

“It's definitely a challenge, growing up in the US and coming over here and learning to play links, playing the ball down in severe wind and bunkers and taking your medicine when you do get in the bunker and things of that nature.

“It's always a challenge and something I enjoy doing.”