Rory McIlroy is fully focused on claiming a first Rolex Series title when he tees it up at this week's Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
Rory McIlroy is fully focused on claiming a first Rolex Series title when he tees it up at this week's Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open.
The Northern Irishman has 13 European Tour titles including four Major Championships but has yet to seal victory in a Rolex Series event or in Scotland.
As well as The Open Championship and the U.S. Open, McIlroy has won the Irish, Australian and Canadian Opens, and he woud love to add another national title to his collection at The Renaissance Club.
Next week he will head home to Royal Portrush Golf Club for The Open Championship but before that test he is fully focused on victory in North Berwick.
"I've been close a couple of times in Opens but I was proud to add another national open to my C.V. a few weeks ago in Canada," he said.
"I'm here fully focused on this event. I think it's a little disrespectful when people come in and they are treating it as a warm-up.
"I think most tournaments deserve to stand on their own two feet and have some stature and the Scottish Open is one of these events on the European Tour. It's a big event, a lot of prize money, a lot of points, it deserves to stand alone and not just be this tournament that's attached on to the week after.
"I'm fully focused on getting out there and playing well this week and trying to get myself in the mix.
"I'm playing this event with two eyes firmly focused on the Scottish Open. I want to get myself into contention and have a chance to win a golf tournament.
"I think if I do that, that's the best way to prepare for next week. You know, get yourself into contention, feel the heat of getting in there on Sunday and trying to play some good golf."
McIlroy arrives in Scotland fresh from three weeks off and is looking forward to getting the competitive juices flowing again on a course he has not played before.
"I'm glad to be here," he said. "Obviously had three weeks off from competitive golf, so nice to get back at it and get a scorecard in hand and get some competitive golf.
"I'm looking forward to getting out there and seeing what it's like. I've heard some good reports. Pretty tough off the tee and some pretty undulating greens, I'm looking forward to the test.
"I was actually here in December for Oliver Fisher's wedding, and the furthest we made it was to the clubhouse at the Renaissance for drinks."
