McIlroy living the dream at Quail Hollow with career Grand Slam complete

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina :Rory McIlroy, whose Masters triumph last month completed a years-long pursuit of the career Grand Slam, said on Wednesday he has accomplished everything in golf he ever dreamed of and will not be burdened by any number-specific goals going forward.

The five-times major champion was a picture of contentment while talking to reporters at Quail Hollow Club on the eve of the PGA Championship knowing his golf bingo card is complete.

"I have achieved everything that I've wanted - I've done everything I've wanted to do in the game," said McIlroy. "I dreamed as a child of becoming the best player in the world and winning all the majors. I've done that.

"Everything beyond this, for however long I decide to play the game competitively, is a bonus."

McIlroy's quest for an elusive Masters title had consumed him and become a tiring and burdensome decade-long narrative each year the Northern Irishman arrived at Augusta National for the year's first major.

When his winning putt dropped on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff, a visibly moved and emotional McIlroy dropped to his knees and cried, releasing years of pent-up pressure and expectations.

"I feel like I sort of burdened myself with the career Grand Slam stuff, and I want to enjoy this," said McIlroy.

"I want to enjoy what I've achieved, and I want to enjoy the last decade or whatever of my career, and I don't want to burden myself by numbers or statistics. I just want to go and try to play the best golf I can."

The 36-year-old McIlroy is still a force wherever he tees it up but even he finds it hard to imagine anything that could top what he achieved at Augusta National.

"I'm still going to set myself goals. I'm still going to try to achieve certain