Career Grand Slam, major titles, Ryder Cup wins. Rory McIlroy has achieved what many dream of, yet he sets new record-breaking goals.
What Drives Someone Who Has Achieved It All?
Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam last year, a milestone few professionals ever reach. Having won all four majors at least once, countless titles on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, plus Ryder Cup victories, McIlroy’s résumé reads like that of a player who has nothing left to prove. This begs the question: What is left to strive for when you’ve seemingly won it all? Does a player like McIlroy still have concrete goals, or does he just play out of habit?
He answers this himself: Though he knows he could easily end his career with what he has achieved, he continually finds new incentives, challenges, dreams, and goals. He is certain that once he achieves these new goals, others will follow naturally over time.
Historic Milestone and Unfulfilled Dreams for Rory McIlroy
McIlroy has already identified a clear target deeply rooted in European golf history: to surpass Colin Montgomerie by winning more than Montgomerie’s eight Harry Vardon Trophies. Currently, McIlroy stands at seven season victories—a goal ambitious yet entirely realistic.
Beyond that, classic dreams remain: An Olympic medal is still missing from his collection, as well as a win at the Open Championship at St. Andrews, arguably the most emotional stage in golf. The US Open continues to tempt him as well, especially when played on traditional, historic courses like Shinnecock Hills, Winged Foot, Pebble Beach, or Merion, courses that make McIlroy’s eyes light up.
Success as a Process, Not Just a Job
McIlroy also speaks remarkably candidly about what has kept him performing at this level all these years. His recipe for success sounds simple but is anything but trivial: \”You have to enjoy the process.\” He means not the applause on Sunday or the winner’s interview, but the often invisible hours alone on the range, repeating the same motions, training without an audience. That is where the joy must lie.
Today, he even spends more time on the golf course than in traditional training. He enjoys it because it no longer feels like work. This is why he allows himself to be selective: he wants to enter every tournament motivated and especially play where he truly wants to.
For McIlroy,