Rory McIlroy displayed a welcome return to form during the opening rounds of the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in East Lothian after admitting his struggles in recent times.
The world number two appeared rejuvenated on the course, playing with a renewed smile that had been notably absent in recent months.
The timing could not be better for the Northern Irishman, who faces the prospect of competing at Royal Portrush next week for the 153rd Open Championship.
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The venue holds special significance for McIlroy, located just an hour from his childhood home.
It marks only the third time in the tournament’s history that the Open will be staged on the island of Ireland, with the last occurrence in 2019.
The 36-year-old has acknowledged experiencing motivational challenges following his career-defining Masters triumph at Augusta National earlier this year.
Despite beginning 2025 with two PGA Tour victories, McIlroy admitted to struggling mentally in recent months.
Speaking about his return to Europe, McIlroy said: “I’m looking forward to just getting back to Europe in general.
“We’ve got a lot to look forward to, got our new house in London, play the Scottish [Open] and then obviously The Open at Portrush. Just trying to get myself in the right frame of mind to approach that.”
McIlroy and his family are preparing to relocate from their Florida residence to a newly constructed Surrey mansion valued between £10 million and £14 million.
The property, situated near the prestigious Wentworth Golf Club, features a 44-foot entertainment room and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
The move will place McIlroy amongst distinguished neighbours including golfers Ernie Els, Thomas Bjorn and Justin Rose, whom he defeated in a Masters playoff.
Other notable residents include former Chelsea footballer John Terry and ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
McIlroy purchased his Jupiter, Florida home from Els in 2017 within the Bear’s Club golf community.
His wife Erica Stoll has expressed dissatisfaction with Florida’s hot climate, according to reports.
The extended European stay with his wife and daughter Poppy appears to have reinvigorated the golfer.
McIlroy has already begun psychological warfare ahead of this year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage, suggesting the American captaincy is largely ceremonial.
Speaking at The Renaissance Club, he said: “It really feels like it’s a player-led team in America.
“We have our input as players on the European team, but we do have that one figurehead in Luke. I think that’s important.”
He referenced the 2023 contest in Rome, stating: “When the Americans got off to a pretty rough start, because Zach [Johnson] gave the team so much ownership they had no one to look to.
“They were looking at each other instead of having a focal point: ‘Tell us what to do.'”
