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.
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McIlroy called the Scottish Open "the blueprint" for strong national opens and said it serves as the perfect lead-in to The Open Championship.
