Rory McIlroy got his Open Championship preparations back on track with a three under par 68 on day three of the Scottish Open at Aberdeen.
The double Major winner emerged from light mist that engulfed the Royal Aberdeen course to move back inside the top-20 as the leaders were heading out in the £STG 3m event.
Despite a first hole bogey McIlroy bounced back to pick up three birdies in a four-hole stretch from the third before then completing the next dozen holes in one under that included a 16th hole birdie.
It was a positive turnaround in form and spirit for the 25-year old who heads into next Thursday’s starting 143rd (British Open Championship as a favourite to be handed the Claret Jug for a first time in his career.
Rory McIlroy now looking ahead of next week’s Open Championship. (Photo -www.golfbytourmiss.com)
McIlroy’s return to form comes a day after he posted his worst European Tour score in 51 weeks in signing for a horror seven over par 78 and just a stroke less than his 2013 (British) Open Championship round of 79.
“The conditions out there this morning were certainly easier than they were yesterday so that helped with scoring,” he said.
“They also have actually moved a few of the tee boxes up on the back nine which makes it a bit easier.
“So overall it was a good round of golf. I didn’t get off to a great start again. I was 1‑over through two holes when you’re looking to really be 1‑under, with the second a reachable par 5.
“But after that I played very solidly, four birdies and no bogeys. Didn’t really put myself in too much trouble.
“So yeah, much better today.”
McIlroy is competing in the Scottish Open for a first occasion since 2009 and will head to Royal Liverpool tomorrow night ahead of teeing up in his seventh Open Championship and with his previous best finish sharing third place in 2010 at St. Andrews.
And McIlroy’s effort at the Home of Golf mirrored his efforts this week in Aberdeen having began with a new course record 64 but then returning on Friday to sign for a score 14 shots higher.
In 2010 McIlroy set a new Old Course record of a blistering nine-under par 63, and while conditions were poor on day two, his round of 80 virtually ruined all hope of winning golf’s oldest major.
“It’s important for me going now into tomorrow’s last round thinking to myself that I have shot 64 and 68 on this golf course, which is two really good scores,” he said.
“Friday was just one of those days where nothing really went right. I couldn’t get any momentum.
“So it would be nice to shoot another good one tomorrow and head to Hoylake with a bit of confidence.
“I feel good with my game and I say enough positives in there to give me confidence going into the Open.”
Scotland’s Craig Lee holds the clubhouse lead late in the round having posted a five under par 66 to move to six under par.
It also put Craig in good position to secure one of three spots into next week’s (British) Open Championship and of offer to the top three players to finish inside the top-10 and who are not otherwise exempt.
