Rory McIlroy has announced that he will not play in this year’s Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

Speaking ahead of this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the four-time major winner responded bluntly when asked about his participation at the Highland course, stating “No. It’s not on my schedule”.

McIlroy has opted not to play the competition at the venue in the past, claiming it is “just not a true links test.”

The world number three was an absentee between 2011 and 2013 following the tournament’s move from The Loch Lomond Golf Club.

He returned to play in Royal Aberdeen’s 2014 event before missing the majority of the 2015 summer schedule with ruptured ankle ligaments.

McIlroy will now turn his attention to the summer’s three major championships before golf makes a much anticipated return to the Olympic stage in Rio.

Rickie Fowler is the reigning Scottish Open champion, having lifted the silverware at Gullane Golf Club last time out.