Rory McIlroy feels positive about his game despite a continued wait to win an elusive fifth major championship. (More Golf News)
Xander Schauffele secured a maiden major victory by winnꦍing the PGA Championship at Valhalla, which was the venue for McIlroy's last majo⛎r triumph in 2014.
McIlroy finished in a tie for 12th place and has often come close, recording 20 top-10 finishes in majors since winning his last, which is more than any other player during that spa𝔍n.
He had won t🦹he Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship coming into the second major of 2024 and🦩, despite falling short, still feels things are trending in the right direction with the U.S. Open and The Open Championship to come this year.
Asked about the state of his game, McIlroy said: "I'm feeling good a🅺bout that.
"I have been𒐪 on a big stretch of golf here. I think this was my sixth event in seven weeks. I've got a🍌 week off and then I'm playing another four in a row.
"I'm feeling good about my game. I feel like things are𝔍 sort of clicking more, especially after the win in Nꦑew Orleans.
"Obviouღsly plaﷺyed well last week in Charlotte. Have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again."
McIlroy was in contention for glory after c💯🐽arding a five-under 66 on the first day at Valhalla.
But he ultimately finished nine strokes behind Schau💫ffele, as a difficult 71 on day two was followed up with creditable scores of 68 and 67 over the weeken꧑d’s play.
McIlroy looked poised for another top-10 finish before finding the water twi💦ce on Sunday, but still emerged at four under for the day with seven birdies and three bogeys in an up-and-down final round.
He continued: "Obviously I started the week well, and then I've obviously played decent oไver the we🐲ekend.
"That six-hole stretch on the back nine [on Saturday], not being able to h꧂ole any putts, I'll probably rue that.
"Then the 71 on Friday, as well, was obviously not what I was looking for. Obviously put myself too far b💮ack.
"Overall I am playing solid, game is in good shape, and I've ꦛgot a week off and then another busy stretch coming up."
