Rory McIlroy overcame “a little bit of rust” to finish his first Scottish Open round with a flurry, recording three consecutive birdies – and continued that form into Friday with a sensational start at the Renaissance Club.

Knapp is loving links golf so much he'd like to extend his stay another week, and he took a step toward that Thursday with a 6-under 64 that put him in a four-way share of the lead.

Rory McIlroy showed the utmost respect for the sporting longevity he himself has achieved and gave examples of stars from other sports in comparison.

Rory McIlroy has endured some struggles since finally winning the Masters, but the Northern Irishman now has a new lease of life after he and Erica Stoll moved into their new home

Rory McIlroy finished two-under after his opening round at the Scottish Open - a strong card considering his bogey on the opening hole - in large part thanks to a miraculous par save

Rory McIlroy is in northern Scotland for the Scottish Open, the final warm-up event ahead of The Open at St Andrews, and it's clear to see the world No. 2's star is as bright as ever

McIlroy has played this event twice since he became co-sanctioned in 2022, winning in 2023 and finishing T-4 last year. He closed well at the U.S. Open and carried that over into the Travelers Championship where he tied for sixth, so he's gaining some momentum as he regains his focus before next week's Open.

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Open, McIlroy said that longevity was an “under appreciated” part of an athletic career, and shouted out some fellow sporting veterans such as Novak Djokovic, who just advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals at 38.