The Open: Rory McIlroy ready to embrace the test of links golf at Royal Birkdale

 The Northern Irishman is set to make his 17th appearance at golf's oldest tournament, and his second at the world-renowned Southport venue after playing in 2017.

Nine years ago, McIlroy finished tied fourth as Jordan Spieth claimed the Claret Jug - a trophy he won at Royal Liverpool in 2014.

Ahead of Birkdale's return as host venue, every hole has undergone some work in a two-phase project by architects Mackenzie & Ebert. Most notably, a new par three, the 15th, has been added to the scorecard, while the par four fifth has been redesigned.

Birkdale is staging the event for an 11th time, with past winners having included Peter Thomson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson and Johnny Miller.

"I think one of the common things you hear about Birkdale is it's very fair for a links golf course," McIlroy told europeantour.com.

"The fairways aren't overly undulating, so when you land the ball in the fairway here, it seems like it stays on the fairway.

"There's not a ton of blind shots, which I've never really had a problem with in other links courses, but that's quite a common thing that people say.

"But I've always liked this course. I first played here in the Amateur Championship and then played an Open back here in 2017.

"You know, if you were to poll every player in the field, I'd say it would be up there in terms of being everyone's favourite Open venues to play for sure."

Since first hosting the golf championship began in 1954, Birkdale has become the competition's most regular venue, outside of St Andrews.

Next year, the 155th playing of The Open will return to the Old Course, where McIlroy finished third in 2022.

While this week provides the 36-year-old a chance to claim a second Major victory of 2026, having become a two-time Masters winner in April, the career Grand Slam hold the Fife venue with the highest regard.

Asked what his favourite Open venue is, he replied: "St Andrews. The Open at St Andrews just feels different, just like the US Open at Pebble Beach feels different.

"I've only played in two Opens at St Andrews, but they've been my favourite as a player and also were my favourite ones growing up and watching. It sort of helped that Tiger [Woods] won a couple of them early on."