Rory McIlroy sees golf course modified for him at Scottish Open as gesture made on return | Golf | Sport

Rory McIlroy has been honoured for a breathtaking shot he played at last year’s Scottish Open as The Renaissance Club, where the tournament is held, have installed a plaque. The Northern Irishman is set to return to the course at the end of next week after winning the competition last year.

McIlroy will return to action after giving himself a break from golf in the aftermath of the US Open last month.

The 35-year-old was on the verge of winning his first major in 10 years but succumbed to American Bryson DeChambeau in the latter stages.

McIlroy will head to North Berwick as one of the favourites as he looks to overcome his disappointment at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina. And his mood may have already been lifted by The Renaissance Club’s gesture.

Last year, McIlroy hit a stupendous 2-iron into 40mph winds from 202 yards on the final hole. The ball landed 11 feet from the pin. He then sunk a birdie putt to clinch victory.

And The Renaissance Club have commemorated the mesmerising strike by making a slight modification to the course and bedding in a plaque on the patch of fairway grass from which McIlroy launched his shot.

Discussing the shot at the time, McIlroy exclaimed: “When I turn 80, it will be one of the five best shots I hit in my entire career.”

And after the plaque was unveiled this week, club founder Jerry Sarvadi said: “We just did it today. We’re going to tell him when he gets here.”

McIlroy has won four majors during his illustrious career, but hasn’t been able to claim an elusive fifth.

And after missing out at the US Open, the star explained: “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer. Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the two missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.

“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defence of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”