Rory McIlroy eager to chase title at Carnoustie, site of his 1st British Open

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland — Rory McIlroy was an 18-year-old with big head of curls and a big game to match when he teed it up as an amateur in his first British Open at Carnoustie in 2007.

Carefree and unafraid, he played the first round without making a bogey and proceeded to win the silver medal as low amateur. He soon would turn pro, and anyone who knows golf knows how well the story has unfolded since then.

The mop of hair is now closely trimmed, barely sticking out the back of his Nike hat. He has gotten married, become rich and has four major championship trophies on his fireplace mantle.