Rory McIlroy switches focus to British Open after runner-up finish at the Scottish Open

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Northern Irelands Rory McIlroy in action during the final round of the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick on July 13.

PHOTO: REUTERS

NORTH BERWICK – Rory McIlroy was delighted with his form at the Scottish Open after finishing runner-up to American Chris Gotterup on July 13 and the Northern Irishman said his game is in a good place heading into the British Open at Royal Portrush this week.

McIlroy was looking to become the first player to win the US Masters and Scottish Open in the same season but finished two shots behind world No. 158 Gotterup at the Renaissance Club, tied with Marco Penge for second place.

The 36-year-old has struggled to find his best form after completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April and said in June he had not known how hard it would be to stay motivated.

However, after a strong performance in North Berwick, the five-time Major champion said he was now ready to fully focus on the Open from July 17 to 20 in Northern Ireland.

“I’m really happy with where everything is,” McIlroy, who won the 2014 British Open, told reporters.

“Looking forward to getting to Portrush tonight and getting out onto the golf course early tomorrow and just turning my attention to that.

“I’m really happy with where my game is, the way I played over the weekend, the shots that I hit, how I controlled my ball flight.

“It has been