Is Rory McIlroy finally going to win a major again after a nine-year wait?

It's nearly nine years to the day since Rory McIlroy last won the Open Championship, and the course he won it at returns to the biggest stage again this week.

McIlroy finished on -17 in his Open victory at the Royal Liverpool Club, beating out Rickie Fowler and Sergio Garcia by two shots.

The Northern Irish golfing sensation will hope history can repeat itself as he gears up to shoot a similar score and end nine years of heartache.

His impressive victory at the Scottish Open over the weekend will give him all the confidence he prepares for the final major of the season.

McIlroy birdied four of his last eight holes, including exceptional birdies on the final two holes, testing his bottle under extreme pressure and windy conditions.

McIlroy beat out home favorite Robert Macintyre by one shot, securing his first win since the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in February.

The Northern Irishman's first title in Scotland follows top ten finishes in his five previous worldwide starts, giving him the belief he can win the Open Championship.

According to skysports.com, McIlroy said: "To play that back nine in four under par to win the tournament, I'm proud of how I just stuck in there."

"I've given myself tons of chances, and hopefully, this win sort of breaks the seal for me, especially going into next week as well."

The focus for McIlroy now turns to this week, knowing a fifth major title will put him level with close friend Brooks Koepka and legend Seve Ballesteros.

Since his win in 2014, McIlroy's performances at the Open have been outstanding, making four top-five finishes in six entries at the tournament.

Heading into the final round at St Andrew's in the 2022 Open Championship, McIlroy was joint leader with Viktor Hovland before a final round 70 left him in third place.

The Open Championship this year will be full of threats to winning for McIlroy as LIV contingent Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka look to defend and add to their successes.

The last time the Northern Irishman won a major championship at the 2014 PGA, he had also won a World Golf Championship tournament the week before.

McIlroy finished second to Wyndham Clark at the last major championship, showing the signs of his game are pointing him in the right direction.

All the variables look in Rory's favor as we approach the year's final major, but can he perform at the biggest stage when Sunday rolls around?