Rory McIlroy on ending major drought with Scottish Open as he takes 'first step' with Sergio Garcia over LIV row

Delighted Rory McIlroy reckons Renaissance victory has broken the seal to success ahead of his Open bid at Hoylake.

The 2014 Claret Jug winner returns to the scene of that triumph aiming to end a nine-year drought in the Majors. Ironically, McIlroy won the tournament before that last Major success at the USPGA Championship after scoring at the Bridgestone. The 34-year-old now heads to Royal Liverpool fuelled by validation to add to the belief which has been growing.

McIlroy said at the beginning of the Genesis Scottish Open he was closer than he’s ever been to ending his Major barren spell and confidence is soaring after a 37th professional win and a second Rolex Series success. He said: “It feels great. We are obviously on the eve of The Open Championship, you’re thinking about trying to prepare for that. But then you know you think about the weight that this tournament carries, being co-sanctioned for Race to Dubai, FedExCup, all the stuff at the end of the year as well.

“I feel like I killed two birds with one stone. I gave myself an even bigger lead in The Race to Dubai, got myself up there in FedExCup and, obviously, a huge confidence boost going into The Open.

“I’ve had my chances over the last couple of months and been knocking on the door, so, hopefully, this breaks the seal and we can go on from here. You have got to hit great shots, but also finish them off with putts and that’s something that I didn’t do at St Andrews last year and it’s something I didn’t do in LA a few weeks ago.

“I don’t feel like I need to prove anything, but it’s satisfying to know that I can still do it. It’s nice to have the validation. It’s great racking up top fives and 10s, but it’s much nicer heading away with a trophy on Sunday.