Monday 7 May 2018 15:32, UK
Rory McIlroy says his game made good strides during the Wells Fargo Championship ahead of the Players Championship.
The four-time major champion made his first tournament appearance since his fifth-place finish at the Masters last month, as his wait to complete the career Grand Slam continues.
McIlroy arrived at Quail Hollow aiming for a third success at the North Carolina course but after just making the cut fired a five-under 66 to send a warning to his rivals before the former world No 1 was forced to settle for a share of 16th place behind tournament winner Jason Day, after a final round level-par 71.
"I felt like my game improved as the week went on. I saw some decent signs [on Saturday]," McIlroy told Sky Sports after his final round.
"I actually hit the ball much better today - the score doesn't quite suggest that. I have still got a couple of things to work on going into next week.
"The game definitely felt like it got better heading into the weekend. Hopefully I can build upon that next week."
The world's best golfers will now head to Florida for the sport's unofficial fifth major and McIlory expects to tackle TPC Sawgrass in dissimilar fashion to Quail Hollow.
"It's just [about] tightening up a few areas. I saw enough good in there this week to give me encouragement going into next week"
McIlory added: "Sawgrass is a completely different test to what this golf course is. You are going to have to play slightly differently, hit different shots off tees.
"I will probably change my bag set-up a little bit. I won't hit as many drivers. I have got the driving iron in the bag - I will hit quite a lot around there.
"It's just [about] tightening up a few areas. I saw enough good in there this week to give me encouragement going into next week."
The Northern Irishman will play alongside fellow major champions Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas over the opening two rounds later this week and admits he is "excited" at the prospect, despite his long-standing elevated status in the game.
"It's great - it is nice. I am happy to be that side of the draw," McIlroy said.
"Obviously, talking to Rickie [Fowler} out there about being [him] being stuck with Tiger and Phil for the first two days!
"He is going to have quite the experience. To play with JT and Jordan will be a nice two days - two guys I know very well. It will be a comfortable group for all of us."
Watch the Players Championship throughout the week live on Sky Sports The Players
