Rory McIlroy feels positive about his game despite a continued wait to win an elusive fifth major championship.

Xander Schauffele secured a maiden major victory by winning the PGA Championship at Valhalla, which was the venue for McIlroy's last major triumph in 2014.

McIlroy finished in a tie for 12th place and has often come close, recording 20 top-10 finishes in majors since winning his last, which is more than any other player during that span.

He had won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship coming into the second major of 2024 and, despite falling short, still feels things are trending in the right direction with the U.S. Open and The Open Championship to come this year.

Asked about the state of his game, McIlroy said: "I'm feeling good about that.

"I have been on a big stretch of golf here. I think this was my sixth event in seven weeks. I've got a week off and then I'm playing another four in a row.

"I'm feeling good about my game. I feel like things are sort of clicking more, especially after the win in New Orleans.

"Obviously played well last week in Charlotte. Have a week here to sort of reset and try to get going again."

McIlroy was in contention for glory after carding a five-under 66 on the first day at Valhalla.

But he ultimately finished nine strokes behind Schauffele, as a difficult 71 on day two was followed up with creditable scores of 68 and 67 over the weekend’s play.

McIlroy looked poised for another top-10 finish before finding the water twice on Sunday, but still emerged at four under for the day with seven birdies and three bogeys in an up-and-down final round.

He continued: "Obviously I started the week well, and then I've obviously played decent over the weekend.

"That six-hole stretch on the back nine [on Saturday], not being able to hole any putts, I'll probably rue that.

"Then the 71 on Friday, as well, was obviously not what I was looking for. Obviously put myself too far back.

"Overall I am playing solid, game is in good shape, and I've got a week off and then another busy stretch coming up."