Rory McIlroy's actions after the cameras were turned off spoke volumes

Rory McIlroy may not have clinched the Scottish Open title, but he certainly didn't leave the 18th green as a defeated man. The Renaissance Club was abuzz with McIlroy's presence, the biggest draw in a star-studded field that included Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa and Justin Thomas. After a brief hiatus from golf, all eyes were on McIlroy as the eager crowd anticipated his performance upon his return to the links.

McIlroy did not disappoint, delivering a robust performance throughout the week, putting him in contention for the lead by Sunday. On Saturday, he hinted at a return to his Masters-winning form, suggesting a significant shift in attitude. In contrast to his previous media avoidance and privacy following his failed driver test at the PGA Championship, McIlroy appeared more open and genuinely happier this week. The initial rounds saw him sharing smiles and banter with his playing partners, Schauffele and Viktor Hovland.

However, that jovial demeanour gave way to intense focus on Saturday, as he zeroed in on his goal of victory - a win was within his grasp.

In the end, it wasn't meant to be. Chris Gotterup, an American with only one PGA Tour victory under his belt, held a share of the lead on Sunday morning and didn't back down, even when faced with a shot clock on the back nine.

Upon witnessing his rival sink the putt that sealed his victory, McIlroy promptly removed his hat and applauded Gotterup, before heading straight over to congratulate him and his caddie. It was an immediate display of respect that McIlroy maintained even when the cameras were turned off.

Instead of sulking over a missed win, McIlroy walked defiantly through the car park, with a barely noticeable grimace once he was out of sight of the fan area being the only sign of negativity emanating from him.

He exchanged high-fives with the enthusiastic fans eager to get close to him, as they had done all week on the unusually sunny Scottish coast. Many departed as soon as Gotterup's final putt went in, disheartened by their hero's loss.

As he strolled, he had a brief conversation with his bodyguard, Andy, before entering the scorer's tent to officially conclude a promising week.

While inside, McIlroy patted Gotterup's shoulder and congratulated him once more, before agreeing to speak to the media outside in the mixed zone. He was scheduled to fly to Northern Ireland from Edinburgh within hours, but chose to face the press regardless - a stark contrast to his silence earlier in the summer.

McIlroy appeared unwavering in his optimism as he spoke to us, indicating that he's looking forward and not dwelling on past disappointments, particularly with the Open on the horizon. Maintaining an upbeat attitude, he actively engaged with every query, providing thoughtful insight into his state of mind.

"No frustration, really," McIlroy asserted. "I'm really happy with where everything is. Looking forward to getting to Portrush tonight and getting out on to the golf course early tomorrow and just turning my attention to that. But I feel like I've gotten out of this week everything, really, that I wanted.

"I feel like my game got a little better each and every day. I controlled my ball flight, some of the iron shots I hit, especially today, sort of the 5-iron into 12 after Chris hit it in close.

"Getting stuck behind the tree on 11 and hitting a great third shot in there making par. Iron play was great. I feel like I did enough good things off the tee. Everything is in a really good spot and I'm happy with how my game progressed as the week went on."

This article first appeared on Mirror US.