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Rory McIlroy recently made a scouting trip to Royal Birkdale ahead of next week’s Open Championship, and no one would have known about it if not for a fellow six-time major champ blowing up his spot.
That would be Nick Faldo, who randomly ran into Rory and then shared a video of their encounter on X. It was a funny coincidence, but apparently one that McIlroy would have rather kept private. At least, that’s what he hinted at when he met with the media ahead of this week’s Scottish Open.
“Birkdale was definitely just a scouting trip for The Open for sure,” McIlroy said on Wednesday. “I would have liked to have not have it known that I was there, but Faldo couldn’t put his phone away, so — (laughing)”
You know those Boomers and their phones.
“I love Nick,” McIlroy added. “In fairness, he’s great. I had a good time with him. He walked a few holes with me.”
Watch the clip below:
Rory McIlroy skipped the Travelers Championship to travel to the UK and play a practice round at Royal Birkdale where he was spotted by Sir Nick Faldo. He joked about it ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open:
“Birkdale was definitely just a scouting trip for The Open for sure. I… https://t.co/PxpzbNGoN4 pic.twitter.com/wKKMswiisw
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) July 8, 2026
It should be noted this isn’t the first time McIlroy has expressed at least a little annoyance with some of his secrets getting out. A couple years ago, he wasn’t pleased putting coach Brad Faxon discussed what they’d been working on during coverage of the U.S. Open.
But it’s also not the first time Faldo has revealed something either. It was Sir Nick who first shared video of Jim Nantz’s Pebble Beach backyard par 3.
Anyway, it’s not much of a reveal that Rory wanted to get a little extra practice in ahead of next week’s Open. And if he happens to win major No. 7 at Royal Birkdale, he’ll pass Sir Nick on the all-time major wins list.
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