McIlroy's 2018 goal is to 'become the best European golfer ever'

The 2017 season wasn't a great one for Rory McIlroy, going winless worldwide, but he's already set some serious goals for 2018 and beyond.

The world No. 6 is finishing his season at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week, and stated he's focused on accomplishing the career grand slam by winning The Masters next April, and then surpassing a European Tour legend.

"There's the grand slam, that's probably the next reasonable goal on the agenda," the four-time major champion told BBC Sport. "And then, try and become the best European golfer ever. Try and surpass Nick Faldo in that."

McIlroy can certainly surpass Faldo's six career major titles next season, but will need a bit more time to attain the next target on his to-do list.

"And then, if I had a career goal, it would be to be the best international golfer ever." added McIlroy. "Gary Player has nine majors. I'd like to think I'm going to give myself a chance to get close to that tally."

The Northern Irishman's last major victory came in 2014 at the PGA Championship, when he edged Phil Mickelson by one shot at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.