Rory McIlroy turns focus to the Masters after Bay Hill debut
Thursday 26 March 2015 14:34, UK
Rory McIlroy insisted he was satisfied with his performance on his debut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as he turned his attentions towards next month's Masters.
The world No 1 enjoyed his best round on the PGA Tour this season on Friday with an excellent 66, but he stumbled to a 71 in round three before two birdies over the last three holes in the final round salvaged a two-under 70.
After starting the final day seven shots adrift of Henrik Stenson, McIlroy picked up early birdies at the fourth and sixth although he failed to convert a series of excellent approaches as his tee-to-green game clicked into gear.
But a bogey at nine halted his progress and he dropped another shot with a scrappy six at the 12th before finishing brightly with birdies at 16 and the last.
McIlroy had to be content with a share of 11th place on 11 under par, eight shots behind champion Matt Every, but he was happy with how his game is shaping up before he attempts to complete a career grand slam at Augusta National.
"I feel like I got what I wanted out of the week, four good competitive rounds," McIlroy told Sky Sports 4. "I saw some progress on some of the things I was working on last week, but I still need to work on some things ahead of Augusta.
"It would have been nice to get into contention and feel what is was like to have a chance to win but I am happy with my progress and have another couple of weeks to work on some things and hopefully go to Augusta ready.
"I am excited going there with the opportunity to achieve three in a row, the career grand slam. It's a nice position to be in. I'm going to embrace it, try not to build it up too much. I know it's a big deal but hopefully I can get my game as good as I possibly can.
"It wasn't quite the way I wanted to finish but it gives me what I need the next couple of weeks preparing for Augusta. I definitely feel like I've taken some strides in the right direction.
"There's still a few things in my game I need to tidy up and work on but what I was working on last week, I feel like I've made progress in that and I've got a couple of weeks to work on some more stuff and hopefully be ready for the start of April."
