Golf

Rory McIlroy eyes up Mickelson route to Open success

World No 6 to play Scottish Open in Aberdeen as preparation for Major

Rory McIlroy will play in the Scottish open at Royal Aberdeen the week before the British Open at Royal Liverpool. Photograph: Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters
Rory McIlroy will play in the Scottish open at Royal Aberdeen the week before the British Open at Royal Liverpool. Photograph: Ahmed Jadallah/Reuters
Mon Feb 10 2014 - 12:43

Rory McIlroy will play at the Scottish Open for the first time in five years in July intending to emulate Phil Mickelson’s unique 2013 achievement.

American left-hander Mickelson became the first player to land the Scottish Open-British Open double when he followed up his win at Castle Stuart in Inverness with victory at Muirfield.

“Phil winning the double last year made me realise the Scottish Open is more than good preparation for The Open,” said McIlroy. “He showed it was possible to win both weeks.”

The British Open warm-up event was played inland at Loch Lomond between 1996-2010 but the decision to move the tournament to the Castle Stuart seaside course from 2011-13 was welcomed by most of the players.

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This season’s event, to be held at Royal Aberdeen from July 10th-13th, will be staged the week before the British Open goes to Royal Liverpool.

“The Scottish Open going back to a traditional links course was something that made a lot of sense,” said world number six McIlroy.

“This will be my first time at Royal Aberdeen. It’s a great links with lots of golfing history...and of course Phil will be back to defend his title.”

Pádraig Harrington credited playing in the Irish PGA Championships in 2007 and 2008 on the links of the European Club at Brittas Bay as helping him win the British Open titles a week later at Carnoustie and Royal Birkdale.