Rory McIlroy is hoping that detaching from the world of golf will stand him in good stead ahead of this weekend's Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club.
McIlroy has not featured since coming tied for sixth at the Travelers Championship last month after a string of poor displays, most notably at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.
The 36-year-old will feature in a tournament on European soil for the first time since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April, ahead of The Open at Royal Portrush later this month.
McIlroy emerged victorious at the 2023 edition of the Scottish Open, beating home hopeful Robert MacIntyre, who went on to win the title last year, by one stroke.
And the Northern Irishman believes that getting away from the "grind" of the PGA Tour has improved his hunger and desire as he aims to get back to his best.
"The one thing I would say about the last couple of weeks is I felt like I could detach a little bit more and sort of hide in a way," McIlroy told reporters in a press conference.
"Sometimes you need that to completely get away. I feel like this world of golf can become all encompassing if you let it.
"Justin Rose and I came up here together yesterday [Tuesday] and we were just chatting about how there is a detachment from the sort of week-in, week-out grind when you get back over here, from when you play on the PGA Tour for that sort of first 25 to 30 weeks of the year.
"It has been lovely to get back and see some familiar faces, and is the first time back playing in the UK since what happened at Augusta, which is a really nice feeling as well."
McIlroy finished tied for fourth at the Scottish Open last year, four shots adrift of MacIntyre, who lifted the title for the first time.
He is part of a star-studded field, which includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas.
In addition, two others – European Ryder Cup duo Ludvig Aberg and Sepp Straka – in the top ten in the global standings will be among those challenging for the title.
And McIlroy believes his experience of playing on the course will be key to a solid weekend.
"I don't think I started out too well here but I have learned how to play the course a little bit better," McIlroy added.
"Obviously, I had that great finish in 2023, then played well again last year, so I am looking forward to getting out there tomorrow [Thursday]."
