Rory McIlroy remains in the prime of his career. Nevertheless, despite being far from the end, the four-time major winner insists he has no intention of becoming someone pursuing past glory that has already slipped beyond reach.

McIlroy had seven birdies in Thursday's opening round even though he hit only four of 14 fairways on the Stadium Course.

Rory McIlroy is just one shot off the lead at the Players Championship after shooting a five-under 67 in his opening round, but the Northern Irishman believes he got lucky