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.

Rory McIlroy played his opening round at the Scottish Open alongside Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele - and the marquee group was followed by the vast bulk of the crowd

Prior to the action starting on Thursday morning, the world #2 and reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy had some choice words during his press conference about how “venues in golf matter.”

A major championship win anywhere is an incredible achievement, but a storied venue can make them feel a bit more meaningful and add to the weight of the moment.