Rory McIlroy gave a optimistic verdict of Royal Birkdale because the course prepares to host the Open Championship for the primary time in 9 years and the six-time main champion targets a second Claret Jug.
McIlroy completed tied-fourth on the Southport venue in 2017, seven photographs behind champion Jordan Spieth.
The Northern Irishman – who gained his sole Open title thus far at one other Merseyside venue, Royal Liverpool in 2014 – ready at Birkdale this week forward of the main from July 16-19.
Sir Nick Faldo was additionally in attendance doing a little analysis for Sky Sports activities and quizzed McIlroy on what he product of the course.
The 37-year-old stated in a video posted to Faldo’s X account: “I’ve all the time thought Birkdale is without doubt one of the greatest on the Open rota, so excited to be again.
“It is good. A little bit bit completely different from 2017, the final time we performed an Open right here. Some completely different inexperienced complexes, completely different holes.
“The fifth gap I simply performed is totally completely different. I prefer it. driveable par 4. A little bit of a penalty should you received for it and miss.
“I don’t know if the water is quite in play on the right but a lot of big deep bunkers guarding the green.”
‘McIlroy getting used to hyperlinks golf once more’
McIlroy secured back-to-back Masters triumphs at Augusta Nationwide in April, whereas he then completed in a share of seventh place on the second main of the 12 months, the PGA Championship at Aronimink, earlier than coming tied-Thirty second in final week’s US Open at Shinnecock.
McIlroy will play within the Genesis Scottish Open – an occasion he gained in 2023 and completed runner-up in a 12 months in the past – every week earlier than the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
He added to Faldo: “I am going to play the Scottish Open so it will be nice to get a few reps in, get a card in my hand, do all that.
“It is good to stand up right here and play early. I have been attempting to try this at each main championship, which is understanding for me.
“Try to play a bit of links golf, get used to these conditions again.”
Watch The 154th Open Championship, from Royal Birkdale, reside on Sky Sports activities from July 16-19. Not received Sky? Get Sky Sports activities or stream golf and not using a contract by way of NOW.
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