Rory McIlroy: Northern Irishman focused on winning majors but plotting for life after golf

As he returns to the scene of his first European Tour victory, Rory McIlroy believes he still has much to achieve as a top golfer, but his life goals stretch beyond trying to add to 32 professional wins already on his CV.

The biggest question the Northern Irishman faces surrounds his inability to add to his tally of four majors in any of the past seven years and he accepts that landing one of the big four titles is harder now than it has ever been.

In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with BBC Sport, McIlroy admits the depth in quality at the top of the game is one of the reasons why it has been so difficult land another major title.

But he also explains plans for a life beyond professional competition, outlining the steps he is already taking to build a corporate portfolio. His priority remains golf and the sport is a big part of a growing business empire.

«I don't think anything will ever replace me getting on the golf course and trying to win trophies,» said the 32-year-old. «That is the best feeling in the world to me, but there is going to be a point in my life where that's not going to happen.»

He hopes that day is some way in the distance. It is clear the former number one, who currently sits eighth in the world rankings, remains hellbent on winning the biggest tournaments in the game.

The wait to add to his four majors — he won the 2011 US Open, 2014 Open and the US PGAs of 2012 and 14 — has lengthened further than he would have been imagined when he first burst on to the scene.

The first two of his majors were each won by eight strokes, before he dominated at Hoylake for his Open victory and won a dogfight with Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler to take his second PGA title at Valhalla, the most recent major success.

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