Rory McIlroy shook off a slow start and tricky winds to close his opening round at the Scottish Open on a high note.

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.

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.

As one of only six players to complete the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy is clearly one of the greatest golfers of all time. But could he have done as well playing at any time? It's one of those fun hypotheticals,

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. A journey that also included the birth of his daughter Poppy, now 4 years old, and countless near-misses.

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.

Rory McIlroy finished two-under after his opening round at the Scottish Open - a strong card considering his bogey on the opening hole - in large part thanks to a miraculous par save