Rory McIlroy insists his game is in "a good spot" heading into the Genesis Invitational, despite seeing "sloppy stuff" derail his hopes of a successful title defence at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
McIlroy briefly charged back into contention after making four birdies in a five-hole stretch during his final round at Pebble Beach Golf Links, then added three more in the space of four holes from the 11th.
The world No 2 closed his blemish-free 64 with a final-hole birdie, the 25th he posted during an eventful week where he also made two eagles but carded three bogeys, three double bogeys and a triple-bogey.
He ended in tied-14th on 17 under and five strokes behind winner , with McIlroy admitting that four expensive holes cost his chances of making a winning start to the PGA Tour season.
"That's all I felt like I needed to tidy up, because the good stuff in there is really, really good," McIlroy explained. "Struck my irons well, drove it well for the most part. There was a couple of destructive tee shots yesterday [third round], but everything feels in pretty good shape.
"I wish I could have those four holes back this week. I played 68 really good ones and even you turn those three doubles into bogeys and that triple into a bogey, that's five shots and all of a sudden you're looking at a lead.
"All in all, some really good stuff this week and pretty encouraged going into next week for sure."
McIlroy started his year with a tied-third finish at the Dubai Invitational and then failed to contend at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, leading him to abandon his equipment "experiment" and switch back to the type of irons he used during his Masters-winning season.
On where he had seen most improvement since the Middle East, McIlroy added: "I think iron play, short game - I think those two areas. Maybe the driver as well even though, as I said, I hit a couple of destructive tee shots.
"I got one going on the wind on 18 yesterday and then the one on four [triple-bogey], but for the most part like I drove the ball better, which is good to see as well.
"I'm in a good spot. Get rid of those big numbers and I wouldn't be just right there, I would probably be in the lead."
McIlroy also said: "No mistakes, no bogeys, which is the big thing today One of the first starts back of the year and trying to get the sloppy stuff out of the way, which I feel like I did."
McIlroy's final-round score was only bettered by Scottie Scheffler, who started eight back but set the clubhouse target and threatened a historic comeback with a stunning nine-under 63.
Scheffler played his first seven holes in seven under and carded three eagles during a remarkable display, where he posted an 18th consecutive top-10 finish on the PGA Tour and matched Tiger Woods' record of eight consecutive top-four finishes.
"I had to do something special today to give myself a chance," Scheffler told CBS after his final round. "I felt like, when I was on the back nine, I needed to get to 21 or 22 under.
"I was playing really aggressive, a bit more aggressive than maybe I normally am, so a few bogeys on the card. I was going after pins and it was a fun day overall. I needed knew I needed to post a number and I did a good job of fighting all week.
"These are the weeks that I'm pretty proud of at the end of the week. I've felt like I'm battling all week just to give myself a chance. Then to have some special stuff happen today and put myself in the clubhouse with a chance is always nice."
The PGA Tour stays in California for the Genesis Invitational, another Signature Event, with Tiger Woods' foundation hosting the event at Riviera Country Club and both Scheffler and McIlroy due to feature.
Ludvig Ã…berg returns as defending champion, with early coverage live on Thursday from 3.15pm on Your Site Golf ahead of full coverage from 9pm. or .
