Rory McIlroy makes brilliant return to action with wife Erica Stoll cheering on as he hits back at ‘unsolicited advice’

Rory McIlroy made a fine start to his Scottish Open defence, carding a five-under 65 at Renaissance Club on his return to action.

McIlroy has taken the last month off following his heart-breaking collapse at the recent US Open.

McIlroy made a fine start to his Scottish Open defence

The Northern Irishman had the major title in his grasp before a shocking end to his final round at Pinehurst let Bryson Dechambeau in to snatch it.

McIlroy is now back in action as he looks to defend his Scottish Open crown before heading to the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon next week.

After his impressive start at Renaissance, McIlroy took aim at his recent critics.

He said: “I’ve always liked to figure things out for myself, I’m not really one to reach out for advice but there was a lot of unsolicited advice coming my way too [after the US Open].

I’ve always wanted to own my success and disappointments. Given yourself that time to reflect is always a good thing.”

Erica Stoll cheered her husband on at Renaissance Club

McIlroy, cheered on by wife Erica Stoll at Renaissance Club, carded five birdies and a chip-in eagle in his opening round, twelve months on from his brilliant victory there.

Conditions were kind at the North Berwick links on Thursday and McIlroy is hoping things get trickier for the field over the coming days.

The defending champion added: “It was a bit of a slow start, a bit up and down.

“I hit a few shots early on which I haven’t seen in practice over the last couple of days which was a reminder that golf isn’t as easy as I sometimes think it is.

McIlroy has hit back at his recent ‘unsolicited advice’

But then I really started to feel good. I hit some good drives and iron shots on the back nine and felt like I left a couple out there.

It was as gettable as you’re going to get this golf course. There’s a lot of low scores and for good reason.

“Hopefully the course can start to play a little bit tougher over the weekend.”

McIlroy, playing the opening two rounds alongside Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntyre, will get his second round underway at 1:43pm on Friday.