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.

The reigning Masters champion unveiled a shorter hairstyle Wednesday at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, following a restful few weeks at his new London-area home, where he took “time to reflect” and “rekindle [his] excitement” for the sport.

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Open, McIlroy said that longevity was an “under appreciated” 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.

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.

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.

Nico Echavarria, Jake Knapp and Sepp Straka share clubhouse lead with six-under 64 Scottie Scheffler opens with a 67, MacIntyre cards 68 Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele & US Open champion JJ Spaun among afternoon starters George O'Neill,