Rory McIlroy has revealed he wanted to keep his recent reconnaissance trip to Royal Birkdale ahead of The Open a secret.

The Masters champion decided to skip the Travelers Championship a week after the U.S. Open so he could visit the Southport venue.

McIlroy had a chance encounter with Sir Nick Faldo, who was doing some work for Sky Sports.

Faldo interviewed the 37-year-old, asking about his preparation for the final major of 2026 and his views on the changes made to the course. (video below)

“I would have liked to have not have it known that I was there but Faldo couldn’t put his phone away,” McIlroy told reporters on Wednesday ahead of the Genesis Scottish Open.

McIlroy said his caddie, Harry Diamond, joined him for the one-day trip.

“I love Nick,” he added. “In fairness, he’s great. I had a good time with him. He walked a few holes with me.”

Royal Birkdale decided to make a number of enhancements ahead of the 154th Open.

A new par-three awaits the 156-man field and McIlroy believes the 15th will be a big talking point across the championship.

McIlroy said he’s “undecided” on whether he likes the new hole.

“I’ll have to play it a bit more,” he said. “I only played it once.

“There may be a couple of holes locations on the green where the hole is a little bit too long for those hole locations.

“Like it’s maybe a little bit silly to be hitting a three-iron into some of them.

“But if they moved up the tee box where you’re hitting like a six or seven iron in, it’s good.

“But it’s going to be an interesting hole. I think it’s going to be a big talking point during the week.”

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW:

Doing a bit of fieldwork for Sky Sports at Royal Birkdale, ahead of The Open… and look who I bumped into. 👀 pic.twitter.com/Hqaq8pM7XT

— Sir Nick Faldo (@Sir_NickFaldo) June 25, 2026

Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com