Rory McIlroy will take positives from his Open performance
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 03/08/17 9:57pm
Rory McIlroy says he is proud of the patience and resilience he showed in coming back from a nightmare start to finish tied for fourth at The Open on Sunday.
The world No 4 was five over par after six holes of Thursday's opening round, but finished the week five under alongside Spain's Rafa Cabrera Bello.
Speaking at a Nike LDN team golf event with Jason Day streamed on Sky Sports and Facebook in east London, McIlroy said: "After the first six holes on Thursday I still had 66 holes to turn it around. Sometimes you get off to bad starts but there is enough time to turn it around.
"I'm fortunate I stayed patient and made four birdies on the way in which helped to get myself back into the tournament.
"I wish I could have that start over again but I'm proud of the way I hung in there."
"I felt like I did a pretty good job, but with the way Jordan played over the four days it was going to be pretty hard to catch him.
"I finished off the week well and have to take the positives from it."
Spieth claimed his third Major with the three-shot win at Royal Birkdale and just needs the USPGA Championship to complete the career Grand Slam.
His first chance to do that comes at Quail Hollow in just over two weeks' time.