Masters champion and Open Championship hopeful Rory McIlroy received backlash over his comments about not wanting to compete on the PGA Tour Champions further down the line

The World No. 2 claimed the top spot on the leaderboard after the third round, with a score of 11-under par. Fans on the course loved seeing his renewed form, one that McIlroy attributes to the time he spent with his wife, Erica Soll.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy took another step toward emerging out of the doldrums with two big shots at the end of his round Saturday that led to a 4-under 66 and gave him a share of the lead with Chris Gotterup in the Scottish Open.

Rory McIlroy was in sensational form at the Scottish Open, claiming he is back to his Masters-winning best and issued a warning to his PGA Tour rivals

Rory McIlroy's comments about the Champions tour stirred up some disgruntlement, with Ernie Els and the Masters champion's former agent taking issue with his brutal stance

This matter is especially important for athletes who are at the very top of the ladder, and Rory McIlroy is certainly among them. The experienced golfer, although dominant for years, was often the target of criticism,

At the moment the players who have lifted the most coveted trophies in golf are Rory McIlroy (Masters), Scottie Scheffler (PGA Championship) and J.J. Spaun (U.S. Open). If I’d told you this was the case back in March then you would have had no issue believing that Rory and Scottie took home majors,

There very well could be one more — golf's oldest trophy on McIlroy's home soil. The 153rd edition of the British Open returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on July 17-20. There might not be a better way for McIlroy to conclude a most unforgettable season.