Rory McIlroy is happy with his game as he prepares to challenge for a first Genesis Invitational success at the Riviera Country Club.
The world number two will tee off on Thursday with Tommy Fleetwood and Collin Morikawa, who is coming off his victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am last Sunday.
McIlroy finished in a tie for 14th, five shots behind Morikawa but hitting an impressive final-round 64 as he builds up to the defence of his Masters title in April.
“I’m working through that first bit of the year where I’m trying to shake a bit of rust off,” said the five-time major winner.
“I learnt a lot about my game last week. I played well for a lot of it but made some big numbers which put me out of contention on Sunday.
“I feel there is enough good in there for me to be encouraged going out there this week.
“I think the fact that I’m hitting a lot of good shots, putting it close and converting a lot of putts, that has to give me confidence not just for this week but going forward.”
‘Horrible change’
McIlroy practised on Wednesday on the Riviera course, which includes a change to the par-three fourth hole.
It has been extended from 237 yards to 273 yards and the Northern Irishman is not a fan of the change.
“I don’t think it plays any differently, you’re just hitting a slightly longer club – actually I think it’s a horrible change.
“Fifteen percent of the field hit the green last time when it played 230. If you want it to be a 275 par-three you have to change the apron leading up on to the green.
“It can’t be kikuyu, it has to be another type of grass that can help you run it on to the green.
“Because in the right conditions you try to fly it on to the green with a three iron it’s going to finish up on the fifth tee box.
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