Rory McIlroy previewed the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Tuesday, describing the course conditions as a double-edged sword due to dry weather.
McIlroy noted that the firm and fast setup, combined with burnt out rough, could encourage more aggressive play off the tee.
"I think it’s a double-edged sword," McIlroy said. "You might see some guys being more aggressive off the tee, taking driver, trying to take the fairway bunkers out of play."
Scottie Scheffler highlighted increased strategy demands from the fast fairways and crosswinds, while Justin Rose is adjusting his bag with additional irons for the event.
The course has undergone changes since hosting the Open in 2017, including alterations to several holes that McIlroy believes add to the challenge despite some unnatural greens.
