Rory McIlroy Feels Refreshed After Break from PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy hopes that taking a break for a couple of weeks has recharged him as he gears up for the Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club. The Masters champion had a welcome improvement in form after a challenging period since his Augusta win, finishing in a tie for sixth at the Travelers Championship last month. Settling into a new home in Wentworth, McIlroy believes stepping away from the PGA Tour grind has helped him focus on performing well in North Berwick and aiming for another Open crown at Royal Portrush.

Speaking at a press conference, McIlroy mentioned, \"The one thing I would say about the last couple of weeks is I felt like I could detach a little bit more and sort of hide in a way. Sometimes you need that to completely get away. I feel like this world of golf can become all encompassing if you let it.\"

Reflecting on his past performances at the Scottish Open, McIlroy said, \"I don't think I started out too well here, but I have learned how to play the course a little bit better. Obviously I had that great finish in 2023, then played well again last year, so I am looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.\"

Robert MacIntyre, last year's Scottish Open winner, expressed his feelings about the upcoming tournament, stating, \"I think the pressure is off, obviously with me saying how much I wanted (to win) this golf tournament. But the expectation is not from me - from outside and the fans, the expectation is through the roof. Again I can't control that, so I have just got to go out there prepare as well as I can.\"

World number one Scottie Scheffler emphasized the importance of the tournament for him, mentioning, \"If I wanted to just do preparation (for the Open), I would have gone and played some other golf courses for fun. Tournament golf is a little bit different - being here in the right conditions, in the wind, getting used to the time (difference) and stuff like that. This is an important tournament for me and is a tournament I want to play well in.\"

With Ryder Cup qualification points at stake and Open qualification opportunities for the top three players not already exempt who make the cut, the Genesis Scottish Open promises to be an exciting event for golf fans.