Three-time Major winning Rory McIlroy has returned to competition after his stunning two-stroke Open Championship triumph looking now to capture a maiden World Golf Championship title at this week’s WGC – Bridgestone Invitational here in Akron, Ohio.

But while victory would send McIlroy back to World No. 1 for a first time since March 2013, he was asked if he had set any goal to try and match Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 Major Championship wins.

Rory McIlroy says his focus is on winning a first WGC title and a fourth Major. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“It’s not something I ever thought about or dreamed of,” he said.

“The next number in my head is four.  I’ve won three of them.  I’d like to win my fourth, and that’s it, and just try and keep going like that, just one after the other.  And if it adds up to whatever number it adds up to in my career, then that’s great.

“I don’t want to put that pressure on myself.  I don’t want to put that burden of a number to try and attain.

“As I said, you need goals, but that’s obviously ‑‑ that’s too much of a long‑term goal.  I’d like to set like shorter‑term goals in terms of, even if it’s trying to improve something in my game because then all those little short‑term goals will help you achieve the long‑term goal in the end.”

“So the only number I’m worried about at the minute is four.”

McIlroy admitted he’s always felt that way and that is has nothing to do with comparing himself to the likes of Tiger Woods and how he came to dominate the game for so long.

Rory McIlroy – ‘I would love to end my career with 12 Majors’. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“I’ve always thought that way and I’ve never put a number on it,” said McIlroy.

“I’ve never ‑‑ I know how many majors the greats of the game have won.  But I never wanted to compare myself.  I never wanted because it’s not ‑‑ if I go on to win whatever number it is, then that’s great.

“At least at the end of my career, there’s not going to be a disappointment.  Oh, I wanted to get to 15, but I only got 12, bummer (smiling).

“You still got 12 majors, you know what I mean?  I just don’t want to end my career like that.

“But then I’d love to end my career with 12 majors, but I don’t want it to be a disappointment.”