McIlroy's 'perfect preparation' for Hoylake Open

Rory McIlroy drew huge crowds on the second practice day at Royal Liverpool

Winning last week's Scottish Open in "proper links golf conditions" was the "perfect preparation" for this week's tilt at The Open, says Rory McIlroy.

"I couldn't ask for better preparation," he told BBC Sport NI.

"The way I played the last two holes was an amazing finish and a perfect way to come into this week."

The threat of thunderstorms and high winds saw last Sunday's final round of the Scottish Open brought forward to a morning start but players still had to battle tough conditions on the East Lothian coast, east of Edinburgh.

McIlroy birdied the final two holes at the Renaissance Club - hitting a superb low 200-yard shot under the wind to set up a winning birdie to edge out home favourite Bob MacIntyre by one.

"The way I played the last two holes, going into the next few months and seasons I can always draw on that memory of being able to get it done under the toughest of conditions," McIlroy added.

"It was an amazing finish and a perfect way to come into this week."

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