Rory McIlroy to play Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen

World number six Rory McIlroy has announced that he will play at this year's Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen as part of his preparations for the British Open.

The Northern Irishman is looking to emulate Phil Mickleson's achievements from last year, when he won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart and the British Open at Muirfield.

"It'll be my first time playing at Royal Aberdeen. I believe it's a great links with lots of golfing history. I'm really looking forward to the challenge it will present," BBC Sport quotes McIlroy, who played the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond in 2008 and 2009, as saying.

"Phil winning the double last year made me realise that the Scottish Open is a more than good preparation for The Open ‐ he showed it was possible to win both weeks."

McIlroy will be in Aberdeen from July 10-13 before travelling down to Royal Hoylake in Liverpool for The Open between July 17-20.