Rory McIlroy shares honest take of his game after first PGA Tour start of 2026

Rory McIlroy says he's comfortable where his game is at despite seeing "sloppy stuff" during his first start in the United States this year. 

McIlroy ended the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in a share of 14th, five strokes behind emotional winner Collin Morikawa. 

The Northern Irishman briefly charged back into contention on Sunday, making four birdies in a five-hole stretch. 

Three more birdies on the back added further hope, but McIlroy simply ran out of holes. 

McIlroy later told reporters that four expensive holes cost him a chance of winning his chances of winning his 30th PGA Tour title. 

He made two double bogeys in the first round and two more in the third, uncharacteristically missing putts inside three feet. 

"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 began the year with a top-five finish at the DP Invitational. He then shared 33rd place at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. 

It was a stretch where McIlroy experimented using a set of more forgiving irons, but he has already decided to switch back to his old set.

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."

Scheffler not bothered by top-10 streak

World number one Scottie Scheffler had the best round of the day. 

He began the final round eight strokes adrift of the lead but ended up setting the clubhouse target of 21-under after carding a nine-under 63 that included a ridiculous walk-off eagle. 

It represented his 18th consecutive top-10 finish and matched Tiger Woods' record of eight consecutive top-four finishes. 

Still, Scheffler didn't seem to fussed about his latest achievement.

"I mean, I think 17 straight top-10s is a good result from a lot of consistent play," Scheffler said. "Outside of that, I could not care any less."