Golf's world number one Rory McIlroy says he wants to be the best player of his generation.
The 26-year-old Northern Irishman won his third tournament of the year on Monday, recording a seven-stroke victory at the PGA Tour's Wells Fargo Classic.
In an ominous warning to his rivals, McIlroy has pledged to get even better.
World number one Rory McIIroy in action at the Players Championship in Florida. Photo: Photosport
"I want to be the best of this generation, I want to win a lot of golf tournaments, I feel like I can win a lot more majors."
"I haven't put a number on it because I don't want to put that burden on myself but the motivation is just being better than everyone else."
"I think I'm pretty close to playing my best golf. I'm definitely able to feel more equipped to win now."
McIlroy still has a long way to go to catch Tiger Woods's 14 major titles, though the current world number one said he won't ever compare himself to the American.
McIIroy won't compare himself to Tiger Woods. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Although McIlroy believes his exceptional form is down to being happy away from golf, he revealed he has considered quitting at 40.
McIlroy, who already has four majors to his name, does not intend to play into middle-age.
"I don't anticipate playing senior golf or championship golf."
Of his potential retirement at the age of 40, he said: "That's 14 years away, that's longer than most sports people have, and I've already had an eight-year career in golf.
McIlroy, who won the WGC Match Play title two weeks ago, now has six top-10 finishes in his past eight PGA Tour starts.
But he is surrounded by a talented field of young challengers, including Masters champion Jordan Spieth, 21, Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler, who responded to suggestions he was overrated with victory at the Players Championship.
"Twenty five years should be enough to help me achieve what I want to. If there comes a time when I feel I can't win or give it my best I'd very happily hang up the sticks and do something else."
