Rory McIlroy set for emotional tribute at Scottish Open after US Open heartbreak

PGA Tour luminary Rory McIlroy is set to receive a much-needed boost of spirits as he heads to the Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club.

Following a disappointing performance against Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open, where he was pipped to the post by just one stroke at Pinehurst No. 2, McIlroy has been enduring a barren spell on the course.

Compounding his professional frustrations, McIlroy's personal life has also been under strain with his divorce dominating the headlines off it. But the Northern Irish golfer will get a boost to his spirits with pleasant surprise awaiting him at Renaissance for the Scottish Open - a plaque commemorating his famous 2-iron from over 200 yards to land just 11 feet, leading to the winning birdie. "We just did it today," Jerry Sarvadi, the club founder, told Golf Week. "We're going to tell him when he gets here."

Notably, McIlroy has admitted that a particular shot will stay with him forever. "He said, 'When I turn 80, it will be one of the five best shots I hit in my entire career,'" revealed Sarvadi. With the Scottish Open set to kick off on July 11, McIlroy is aiming to defend his title at the Renaissance Club, which he won last year.

For now, McIlroy seems to be concentrating on mental recovery following his letdown at Pinehurst, opting out of tournaments such as the Travelers Championship and the Rocket Mortgage Classic, despite their enticing prize funds of $3.95 million and $1.66 million respectively, as part of his strategy to bounce back.

Rory McIlroy has announced he will be taking a short break from golf following his US Open disappointment, opting out of the Travelers Championship, Rocket Mortgage Classic, and John Deere Classic to mentally reset before the Scottish Open.

Af