Arnold Palmer Invitational: Rory McIlroy ‘moving in the right direction’

Rory McIlroy has said he is “feeling a little better” about his game before the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

He won the title at Bay Hill in 2018 and has finished no worse than tied-sixth in the last four years there.

“I finished decent last week and hopefully can build on that this week,” said the Northern Irishman.

“I didn’t have a great week at Riviera a couple weeks ago, but then had a bit of a better week last week at The Concession. Still trying to iron out a couple of things that I feel like I can do better.

“But I saw some positive signs last week and coming back to a course where you’ve had some good memories that always helps too when you sort of feel a little bit better about yourself.”

McIlroy was tied-fifth behind winner Tyrrell Hatton in 2020 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and says Bay Hill “is a wonderful course”.

“I first played this event back in 2015. I probably should have played it sooner, but I just never was able to get the chance,” said the four-time major winner.

“So I said in 2015, when I first played, that I’ll try to never miss it again and I’ve kept my word up until this point. I played well here in the past, it’s nice to be a past champion and looking forward to another great week here in Orlando.”