Rory McIlroy adds name to Scottish Open

• Rory McIlroy to play Scottish Open for second year running
• Adds his name to what is shaping up to be a fantastic field
• Is looking forward to returning to Gullane GC 

World No.1 Rory McIlroy has become the latest player to add his name to the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, strengthening what is shaping up to be a fantastic field.

The 25-year-old will join the likes of defending champion Justin Rose, Luke Donald and American pair Phil Mickelson and Matt Kuchar at Gullane GC from July 9-12, before heading up to St Andrews a week later to defend his title at the 144th Open Championship.

McIlroy, who finished T14 in his return to the Scottish Open last year for the first time since 2009, revealed his delight at adding the £3.25million tournament to his schedule again this year.

“Adding the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open to my schedule in 2014 proved to be a great move, as it allowed me to get four competitive rounds of links golf under my belt a week before the Open,” said McIlroy, who led after round one at Royal Aberdeen thanks to a sublime seven-under par 64.

“Last year I started really well and had two good rounds over the weekend, so if it wasn’t for a disappointing second round I would have been in contention to win. I’m keen to pick up where up I left off and hopefully lift the trophy on the Sunday afternoon.”

McIlroy has fond memories of Gullane GC – which is hosting the tournament for the first time – from his amateur days and is intrigued to see the Championship Course, which is a composite of courses No.1 and No.2.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the composite Championship course and testing my game on it” – Rory McIlroy

“I know Gullane from my amateur days as it has hosted all the great Scottish amateur events, but I’m really looking forward to seeing the composite Championship course and testing my game on it against a very strong field.”

For further tournament and ticket information, visit the Scottish Open website or follow @AAMScottishOpen on Twitter.

Rory McIlroy at the Scottish Open :: Your thoughts

Can Rory McIlroy win the Scottish Open for the first time at Gullane GC? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.