Aberdeen-McIlroy to follow Mickelson

Feb 11, 2014. Rory McIlroy is aiming to follow the example set by Phil Mickelson last year after confirming he will play in the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, from July 10-13.

The two-time Major Champion admits that watching Mickelson triumph at Castle Stuart Golf Links in 2013 and then go on to win The Open Championship at Muirfield the following week helped make up his mind to return to the event for the first time in five years.

With the tournament moving to the historic Royal Aberdeen Golf Club for the first time this year, McIlroy believes that taking on one of the most renowned links courses in Scotland, The Home of Golf, as part of a strong international field that also includes defending champion Mickelson, will be the perfect preparation ahead of attempting to win his first Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

“It’ll be my first time playing Royal Aberdeen”, said McIlroy. “I believe it’s a great links with lots of golfing history. I’m really looking forward to the challenge it’ll present”.

McIlroy’s previous appearances in the tournament both came at Loch Lomond, in 2008 and 2009. He added: “To play some competitive golf on a links course will be great preparation for The Open Championship the following week”.

“The field is going to be very strong. Aberdeen Asset Management has done a great job in promoting the event and bringing some of the best players in the world there. And Phil (Mickelson) will be back, of course, to defend his title”.

“I can think of no better preparation for The Open, especially on a respected course like Royal Aberdeen. There will also be so many similarities I can bring to the following week’s Open Championship”.