Rory McIlroy joked on Wednesday that his secret scouting trip to Royal Birkdale was exposed by fellow major champion Sir Nick Faldo.
The Northern Irishman had hoped to keep his early preparations quiet before The Open Championship.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy confirmed the purpose of his visit to the Southport venue.
"Birkdale was definitely just a scouting trip for The Open for sure," said the world number two.
Faldo recorded a video of their encounter and shared it on social media.
McIlroy laughed about the incident, saying, "I would have liked to have not have it known that I was there but Faldo couldn't put his phone away."
Despite the leak, McIlroy insisted there were no hard feelings. "I love Nick," he said.
"In fairness, he's great. I had a good time with him.
He walked a few holes with me."
Course Changes and Enthusiasm
During their meeting, McIlroy noted changes to Royal Birkdale since the 2017 Open. "A little bit different from 2017...
Some different green complexes, different holes. The fifth hole I just played is completely different," he said.
Faldo asked if McIlroy liked the new fifth hole. McIlroy replied, "I do like it, yeah.
It's 300 to the front and it's a good drivable par four."
He added that the hole carries a penalty for those who miss the green, with deep bunkers guarding it.
McIlroy expressed excitement about returning to the course where he tied for fourth in 2017.
"I've always thought Birkdale is one of the best on The Open rota so I'm excited to be back," he said.
Preparations and Scottish Open Praise
McIlroy also spent time playing at St Enodoc Golf Club in Cornwall with Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and Shane Lowry.
He described the course as a top-100 venue he had never heard of before.
The trip was mainly for enjoyment, but he noted that playing on links turf helped him adjust to windy conditions.
Looking ahead, McIlroy praised the Genesis Scottish Open as a model for national tournaments.
"Since this event has been co-sanctioned, it really has gone from strength to strength," he said.
He highlighted the strong field and continuous improvements to the course and facilities.
McIlroy called the Scottish Open "the blueprint" for strong national opens and said it serves as the perfect lead-in to The Open Championship.
