But I gave myself a good chance at the last and just didn’t quite hit a great putt. I think I showed a lot of resilience and a lot of good things on Sunday, just unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough. But that’s golf, you move on and I’m excited to be back here at Wentworth.
McIlroy added that he has worked hard on his mental game and is not dwelling on the missed opportunity at the Irish Open.
It was disappointing, but at the same time, it’s golf, he said. It’s one of those things where you move on. I’ve been in this position many times before and I’ve been able to bounce back and be successful. So, I’m looking forward to the challenge this week and getting back out there.
The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth is one of the flagship events on the European Tour and McIlroy will be looking to add another title to his impressive resume. With his mental game in check, McIlroy will be a strong contender as he looks to bounce back from the disappointment of the Irish Open and secure a victory on home soil.
But looking back on Sunday and the support of the crowds and that scene on 18 and everything, it was amazing to be a part of.
Obviously I’m just trying to look for the positives in all of it but I’m happy to be here at Wentworth, the sun is shining, there’s not many better places to be.
My game is feeling like it’s in pretty good shape and I feel like I have another chance to win a really big tournament that means a lot to me.
McIlroy added: It feels like quite a long time since I won at Quail Hollow back in May, and I’ve come close here a couple of times. I was second to Francesco [Molinari] in 2018, second to Shane [Lowry] in 2022.
My form at this tournament over the last few years has been very good so it would be nice to just get another win on the board.
It would just be wonderful to give myself another chance. Every Sunday that I get myself into contention is an opportunity but also a day to test myself and learn from the good, the bad and everything else.
Ahead of his opening round on Thursday – live coverage of featured groups is from 8.30am on Sky Sports Golf – McIlroy appeared to be struggling with a nagging cough during his pre-tournament press conference.
I’m okay, I feel a bit better than I was, McIlroy said, revealing the culprit to be his daughter Poppy.
Poppy’s had a cough for a couple of weeks, gave it to me last week.