Rory McIlroy's return to golf is CONFIRMED after taking a break following his US Open meltdown

Rory McIlroy is confirmed to tee it up for the first time since his US Open collapse at the Scottish Open later this week. 

The Northern Irishman, 35, stepped back from the golfing spotlight, taking time away from the course for the past three weeks following his implosion at Pinehurst and divorce U-turn drama. 

The four-time major winner will officially make his return to golf in Scotland on Thursday after tee times for the last tournament before the Open Championship were revealed on Tuesday. 

McIlroy is slated to begin his title defense at The Renaissance Club alongside European teammates Viktor Hovland and Robert MacIntrye at 8:28am BST/3:28am ET Thursday. 

Holding a two-shot lead during the final round of last month's major, McIlroy carded three bogeys across the final five holes - missing two putts from a combined distance of seven feet.

 He fled the course a matter of minutes after Bryson DeChambeau wrapped up victory and announced less than 24 hours later that he wouldn't be back at a tournament until the Tour descends on Scotland this week. 

In a statement on social media, McIlroy said: 'Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.

'Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

'As I reflect on my week, I'll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I'll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives. 

'As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have.

'The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I've shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

'I'm going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.'

More to follow.