The final men's golf major of 2023 at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake will also feature defending champion Cameron Smith of Australia.

Tiger Woods, the 2006 champion, will miss out again due to injury.

However, McIlroy will in focus as he aims to lift the coveted Claret Jug again, nine years after his triumph at Hoylake.

After winning the Scottish Open last week, the 34-year-old will be heading into the tournament in good form, hoping to end a nine-year major draught.

He will also be keen on making up after the one-stroke loss to Wyndham Clark of the United States in the U.S. Open last month.

"I couldn't ask for better preparation," he told BBC Sport after winning the Scottish Open.

"The way I played the last two holes was an amazing finish and a perfect way to come into this week."

This year's tournament has all scope for drama thanks to a brand-new short par-3 17th hole.

The 2023 line-up will have the top 10 from last year's Open.

On Thursday, a total of 156 golfers are set to tee it up, including Tokyo 2020 winner Xander Schauffele of the United States and home favourite and Rio 2016 gold medallist Justin Rose.

Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka of USA would be hoping better his tied for fourth from 2019 while world number one and compatriot Scottie Scheffler is also a contender.

He finished tying for third in the Scottish Open and will be looking to add to the 2022 Masters Tournament triumph.