Q Radio Sport
Rory McIlroy didn't have the best of times last week, at Portstewart Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open host, and defending champion, failed to make it to the weekend and missed the cut on Friday.
He carded an opening round level-par 72, followed by a 73 on day two.
The world-number-four was well off the pace, while Jon Rahm-who played alongside the Holywood man in the draw for the first two rounds- won with a score of 24-under-par.
Fast forward a week, and ever closer to the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale (where Padraig Harrington won in '08), and it's the turn of the Scottish Open.
"It's a big week" @McIlroyRory #AAMSO #MadeInScotland pic.twitter.com/xgcVAD1pti
— AAM Scottish Open (@AAMScottishOpen) July 12, 2017
The venue is of particular significance, as the Dundonald Links are just up the road from where Henrik Stenson won the annual third major at Royal Troon in 2016.
McIlroy spent time on the course earlier in the week, and despite suffering recent injury and poor form, he insists his best golf isn't far away.
He tees off this morning, and hopes a good performance this week will boost his chances at the Open.
WATCH@McIlroyRory on @AAMScottishOpen- Playing links golf is the best way to prepare for @TheOpen. https://t.co/Bonpns38f0
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) July 12, 2017