Secret Rory McIlroy tactic ruined after accidental leak from golf legend

Rory McIlroy has revealed how one of his secret tactics has been ruined by golf legend Nick Faldo.

McIlroy is hoping this week's Genesis Scottish Open can see him capture another victory, ending day one three under par.

A strong tournament can aid his preparations for The Open Championship, the fourth and final major on the golf calendar in 2026.

The Northern Irishman only has one win to his name this season, but it was the big one, as he famously claimed his second straight Masters title at Augusta National in April.

More recently, the 37-year-old endured a frustrating display at the US Open in June, finishing six-over par and candidly admitted, "I think it won the battle over me".

McIlroy teed off at the Genesis Scottish Open on Thursday, and speaking ahead of the tournament, he praised the event for going "from strength to strength".

"I think, since this event has been co-sanctioned, it really has gone from strength-to-strength," he told reporters.

"You look at the quality of the field this week, you get a great sponsor like Genesis on board - they have kept making improvements to the golf course and the facilities each and every year."

An improved performance at North Berthwick can generate excitement for supporters ahead of The Open, and he's already gearing up for the tournament.

McIlroy is well-known for visiting major championship courses beforehand, and he was spotted scouting the course at Royal Birkdale with golf legend Nick Faldo.

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Faldo recorded the two-time Masters champion, though unsurprisingly, he didn't want anyone knowing he was there.

"Birkdale was definitely just a scouting trip for The Open for sure. I would have liked to have not have it known that I was there but Faldo couldn't put his phone away," he revealed at the Scottish Open.

"I love Nick. In fairness, he's great. I had a good time with him. He walked a few holes with me."

The six-time major winner joined McIlroy for multiple holes before he departed to play at St Enodoc last Friday, as preparations for The Open ramp up.

Rory McIlroy's record at The Open

McIlroy is currently the second favourite to win The Open behind Scottie Scheffler, and if he wants to add another major to his cabinet in 2026, he will need to improve on his performance at the US Open.

To date, the Northern Irishman has won one Open Championship, and that was in 2014 at Royal Liverpool when he claimed victory with an incredible score of 271 (17 under par), while holding off runners-up Sergio Garcia and Rickie Fowler by two strokes.

McIlroy's last visit to Royal Birkdale, meanwhile, saw him finish fourth after carding a final round score of 67, though he did finish seven shots behind overall winner Jordan Spieth.

He also achieved a third-place finish at St Andrews in 2022, following that up with sixth in 2023 before missing the cut in 2024 and finishing seventh at Royal Portrush last year.