Rory McIlroy blitzed Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links with a course-record 11-under 61 in 2005. For many, it confirmed all the hype about McIlroy.

No matter what Rory McIlroy shoots or how he handles the media spotlight, one thing that remains untouchable is his career Grand Slam. It took 11 years for the Northern Irish man to finally break through.

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Open, McIlroy said that longevity was an “underappreciated” part of an athletic career, and shouted out some fellow sporting veterans such as Novak Djokovic, who just advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals at 38.

After a decade-long chase, the Northern Irishman finally completed golf's career Grand Slam at Augusta — then experienced the psychological letdown that psychologists say commonly follows the achievement of a lifelong goal.

Open Championship golfers and the British Open favorite to win ahead of the year's final major at Royal Portrush

With a few weeks to decompress in Europe, Rory McIlroy is ready to tackle the rest of the golf season, acknowledging again that following his Masters victory in April, he had difficulty recommitting to the game with such a huge goal accomplished.

Rory McIlroy is in northern Scotland for the Scottish Open, the final warm-up event ahead of The Open at St Andrews, and it's clear to see the world No. 2's star is as bright as ever

Rory McIlroy has settled into his new Wentworth mansion following a fortnight's break from competitive golf, revealing how the move from Florida has provided welcome detachment from the sport's relentless schedule.