McIlroy keen to focus on positives after PGA showing

Rory McIlroy was keen to focus on the positives in his game after the end of a turbulent week in the US PGA Championship.

McIlroy was returning to the site of his most recent major championship success at Valhalla, where he claimed his second PGA crown in three years back in 2014.

The world number two began strongly with a superb opening 66, but could only manage a 71 on Friday before adding rounds of 68 and 67 over the weekend to finish 12 under par.

"Obviously started the week well and then I've obviously played decent over the weekend," McIlory told RTÉ Sport's Greg Allen straight after his round.

"That six-hole stretch on the back nine yesterday, not being able to hole 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 back.

"Overall playing solid, game is in good shape and I’ve got a week off and then another busy stretch coming up."

Asked about the state of his game following back-to-back wins before the US PGA, McIlroy added: "Yeah, I’m feeling good about that.

"I’ve been 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 are sort of clicking more, especially after the win in New Orleans. Obviously played well last week in Charlotte. Have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again."

World number one Scottie Scheffler was left to ponder what might have been after an extraordinary week in Kentucky.

Scheffler carded a closing 65 at Valhalla to share the early clubhouse lead on 13 under par, although his chances of claiming back-to-back major titles had effectively ended with a third