Rory McIlroy was back playing with a smile on his face at this week’s Scottish Open in Eastern Scotland. It comes at the perfect time for McIlroy, who has opened up about lacking motivation following his career-defining Masters victory at Augusta National earlier this year.

McIlroy was asked Friday at the Scottish Open regarding Keegan Bradley being a playing captain for the U.S. at Bethpage Black.

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland — The hardest task for Chris Gotterup was waking up Friday. Once he got going, he never really stopped until he tied the course record with a 9-under 61 and wound up with a two-shot lead going into the weekend at the Scottish Open.

The Green Jacket winner looks as if he's found his spark again after an impressive start to the Scottish Open.

McIlroy has played this event twice since he became co-sanctioned in 2022, winning in 2023 and finishing T-4 last year. He closed well at the U.S. Open and carried that over into the Travelers Championship where he tied for sixth, so he's gaining some momentum as he regains his focus before next week's Open.

There very well could be one more — golf's oldest trophy on McIlroy's home soil. The 153rd edition of the British Open returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on July 17-20. There might not be a better way for McIlroy to conclude a most unforgettable season.

Rory McIlroy showed the utmost respect for the sporting longevity he himself has achieved and gave examples of stars from other sports in comparison.