Rory McIlroy 'could not ask for better preparation' ahead of Open Championship

Rory McIlroy believes he “could not ask for better preparation” as he looks to end his major drought at The Open at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman secured a dramatic victory in the Scottish Open on Sunday when he birdied the final two holes to overtake Robert MacIntyre at the top of the leader board.

It was McIlroy's first victory since winning the Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club in January, moving him up to No 2 in the world rankings and setting him up nicely for his return to Royal Liverpool, the scene of his 2014 Open triumph.

He claimed the last of four major wins at the US PGA Championship a month later but has been unable to add to that tally since.

For the second major in succession McIlroy cancelled a planned formal press conference, but he did give short interviews to TV and radio outlets.

“I could not ask for better preparation,” he told BBC Sport NI. “The way I played the last two holes [in Scotland] was an amazing finish and a perfect way to come into this week.

(7/8) Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose pic.twitter.com/9Zc04EosKx

“I’ve had a great nine years and won a lot of tournaments but the big four have eluded me. Hopefully, this week that’s something I can change.

“It’s nice to be back here. It’s not like I think about it all that often so it’s nice to come back and re-familiarise myself with the course. It’s nice to come back to a major venue you’ve won on, but it also makes you feel a bit old.”

McIlroy has recorded 19 top 10s in the 34 majors played since his last victory, with his best chances of a win coming in last year’s Open and June’s US Open.

At St Andrews, McIlroy held a two-shot lead at the turn in the final round before being overhauled by an inspired Cameron