Scottish Open top 10 power rankings

I believe it’s foolish to jump off the Rory bandwagon at this point, but it’s clear things have gone awry for the former world No. 1.

“My short game is not sharp enough and I’m making silly mistakes,” McIlroy told the press after missing the cut at last week’s Irish Open. “I’m not being very proficient with my scoring and making it difficult for myself.”

McIlroy missed two of his last three cuts and has not been able to continue his strong play late in 2016 after suffering a stress fracture in his rib that sidelined him early in 2017.

The Northern Irishman often eschews playing the week before a major, but will use this week in earnest to regain his form.

He’s fared well in three career Scottish Open starts, including a T14 in his last go around in 2014 prior to winning the Open Championship. McIlroy has made his preference for parkland style courses known, but he’s proven he can get it done on the links.

McIlroy’s ballstriking has been solid this year. He doesn’t have enough starts yet to qualify for PGA TOUR statistics rankings, but he’s averaging over 300 yards, and his hitting 67.94 percent of greens. He has positive strokes gained marks in all categories aside from around the green.

His strength will help him from the fairway rough, and as long as he’s recovering well when missing the short grass he could be in the mix this week.