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.

For McIlroy, this is no ordinary British Open.

The Northern Irishman, who has spent the last few months struggling for motivation after his crowning achievement in Augusta, spoke of his renewed energy and focus now back in Europe ahead of this we...