McIlroy glad of tough challenge at Scottish Open

LONDON: Rory McIlroy expects to face a tougher test at this year’s Scottish Open now the course at the Renaissance Club in North Berwick has been strengthened to cope with the threat of the world’s best golfers.

Two years ago, McIlroy shot 13 under par over the same 18 holes yet that was only good enough for a share of 34th place, with Bernd Wiesberger beating Benjamin Hebert in a play-off after the pair finished tied on 22 under.

McIlroy later said he was “honestly sick” of courses that offered so little challenge and that the Renaissance Club had not been “a good test”.

But last year’s winning total was 11-under par and, with thicker rough and new tee placings for this year, four-time major winner McIlroy expects wayward shots to be punished.