RORY HAS A NEW DRIVE
Back with a bang after ‘reset’
RORY McILROY was dynamite with words for five minutes after he was done.
And the Northern Ireland golfer was just as impressive with deeds for five hours beforehand, making a flying start at the Scottish Open.
The world No.3 looked hugely impressive and, although The Open at Hoylake next week is the main target, he is already bang in the mix for success in East Lothian.
Two years ago, McIlroy stood bemused on the same starting 10th tee as a punter nicked his driver out of the bag and started swinging it.
This time, it was an early-morning gathering who were stunned as he piped a 374-yard drive down his first hole. That first birdie was followed by five more and an eagle as he outshone partners Justin Thomas and defending champion Xander Schauffele.
Not even a couple of dropped shots, which leave him three behind leader Byeong Hun An who shot a flawless 61, could take away the satisfaction once the card was signed and the cutting remarks about LIV Golf and retirement brewed.
He said: “It was pretty comfortable. I wouldn’t say it was easy. I got off to a great start and holed some really nice putts.
“That’s probably the one thing I was, not worried about, but questioning because it didn’t feel like I had enough time to adjust to links greens and I didn’t putt very well in the Pro-Am. But I got my eye in early and that was nice. I feel like I’m playing really good golf, and getting myself up in contention.”
Given his recent lay-off, when the clubs mostly remained in the cupboard for almost a fortnight, McIlroy looks back in the groove.
Naturally, the big mission comes at Hoylake, with the chance to end his nine-year wait for a Major.
McIlroy said: “My mind is pretty much on this week. I’d love to win The Scottish Open. That’s a massive deal in its own right and that could get me going into the summer.
“Before the Pro-Am on Wednesday, I had played only two rounds and had two practice sessions. It was a nice reset but after this, it feels like I’ve come back where I left off. I’m very excited about Hoylake.”