Overview
- Rory McIlroy confirmed he made a private scouting visit to Royal Birkdale to prepare for The Open and said the trip was intended to help him get comfortable with links turf and local wind conditions.
- Sir Nick Faldo, working for Sky Sports, filmed a chance encounter with McIlroy on the course and posted the footage on social media, which publicly disclosed the reconnaissance.
- McIlroy responded with good-natured annoyance, saying he would have preferred to keep the trip quiet and joking that Faldo "couldn't put his phone away," while stressing his respect for the six-time major champion.
- During the visit McIlroy noted recent minor renovations at Birkdale, singling out a reworked fifth hole as a shorter, drivable par four that changes strategy off the tee and into the green complex.
- McIlroy moved on to play the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club as his final competitive tune-up and also fitted in casual links rounds in Cornwall to refresh his instincts before The Open.