Former world number one Rory McIlroy has claimed that he is feeling relaxed ahead of The Open at Royal Lytham this week.
The Northern Irishman heads into the major tournament with little pressure compared to the hype surrounding him last year at Royal St George's, which was just weeks after the 23-year-old claimed the US Open.
"It's been great, it's been lovely just going about doing my business without the madness of last year," said McIlroy. "The commotion is definitely not as bad.
"I played Thursday and Friday last week and 18 holes on Monday and another nine today. I've got a few good looks at the place and I feel like I know what I'm doing out there now."
McIlroy will play alongside 2010 champion Louis Oosthuizen and Keegan Bradley in the opening round on Thursday afternoon.
