Q. 50th round of 66 or better on this golf course. What's your verdict on that one?
RORY McILROY: Yeah, got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row. Yeah, I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I've had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I feel like I don't want to sound like I'm that disappointed but I feel like I left a few out there. I missed a couple of short ones.
Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I'm very comfortable on and historically I've played very well on.
Q. Commentators were saying that the improvement in your wedge play and putting as well, you look like a player now that doesn't have a weakness. Is that the way that you feel?
RORY McILROY: I think when my game is on, it feels that way. But I definitely I feel like I've made big strides in those two departments in the game over the last few years. I finished in the top 5 in strokes gained putting on the PGA TOUR this year for the first time. Definitely I feel like my wedge play is a lot better, and you know, if I drive the ball well, then I give myself so many opportunities from inside 150. And if that part of my game is sharp, you know, I feel like I give myself plenty of opportunities.
I think that's why when I do play well, I'm consistently up there.
Q. First European player to win the career Grand Slam. Add it to all your other achievements, a lot of other people are saying he should be knighted. What does Rory McIlroy think about being potentially "Sir Rory McIlroy"?
RORY McILROY: Look, if that were ever to happen, it would be an unbelievably massive honour. That's obviously up to people a lot more powerful and important than me. But I mean, if it were to happen one day, it would be a very proud moment in my life.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports