Rory McIlroy thinks making the cut at the Masters was a “wake-up call” as he prepares for the US PGA Championship at Oak Hill this week.

The Northern Irishman won this event for the second time in 2014, but he has yet to add to his fourth major triumph.

“I was never so sure I was going to have a great week at Augusta, and then that happened,” McIlroy said to BBC Sport.

“The night before, I felt so good, but the game can bring you back down to earth pretty quickly.”

“It was a great lesson to me not to put too much into feelings or vibes,” the world number three continued.

“I shot five under on the back nine in practice on Wednesday afternoon, and everything was in good shape, but that’s golf.”

“The best way is to avoid reaching that level of expectation.” I need to be more accepting of myself.

“When I reflect on Augusta and the previous few months, my level of acceptance was not where it needed to be.” I know if I improve on it, I’ll be able to play some good golf again.”

‘One of the best final-hole approaches to a major championship.’
McIlroy had cause to be confident heading into the Masters after winning the PGA Tour’s CJ Cup in October to reclaim the world number one spot and then winning the Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour in January.

During March, he finished second in the Arnold Palmer Invitational and third in the WGC Match Play.