The Scottish Open has become one of the big events on the golf schedule ever since it became a partner event between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, as the best players from both tours come together for a chance to play some links golf in preparation for the Open Championship a week later.

McIlroy enters this tournament more refreshed.

Rory McIlroy tidies up for a birdie and moves back to level par.

Words are tricky. Their meanings change constantly, and the next thing you know, a phrase as old as time has a new definition. Golf is a sport of history, which makes this entire rigamarole over what to call the British Open/Open Championship/The Open so confusing.

McIlroy said he could hear the excitement in the voices of friends talking about his Masters win. And there’s the anticipation of two weeks of a different brand of golf, the Scottish Open that starts Thursday and then the British Open at Royal Portrush in his native Northern Ireland.

Rikuya Hoshino was forced to retire due to a neck injury.