McIlroy seeks end to British Open drought as out-of-sorts Scheffler defends title

SOUTHPORT, United Kingdom: Rory McIlroy has his sights set on a first British Open win since 2014 as world number one Scottie Scheffler tries to get his game back on track to defend the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy ended a long wait for his fifth major by winning the Masters last year to complete the grand slam of golf’s majors and backed up that victory by securing another green jacket in April.
Yet, his drought at his home major in front of an adoring crowd of fans goes on since his only British Open win at Royal Liverpool.
McIlroy has limited his appearances on the PGA Tour to prioritize the majors this year, playing just three non-major events since the Masters in April.
The Northern Irishman looked good in a seventh-placed finish at last week’s Scottish Open, which could have been even better but for a fog-disrupted third round.
“Obviously there was some good in there today, but there was some bad as well. So, I’m going to need to work a little bit over the next couple days to be ready for Thursday,” said McIlroy.
“At least I know what I’m doing. It’s a matter of trying to sort of rectify it.”

Home favorite Fleetwood
Scheffler, by contrast, hit a new low in a frustrating season for the world number one at the Renaissance Club.
After a four-year run of 78 successive made cuts, the American failed to make the cut at the Scottish Open.
Any doubts over Scheffler’s ability to master the seaside links conditions appeared to be put to bed in his dominant display to win at Royal Portrush 12 months ago.
“Getting some extra rest going into a major championship is never the worst thing, but I really hate missing cuts, too,” said the American.
Matt Fitzpatrick finished in a tie for third at the Scottish Open to