His game is still not where he wants it to be, but the confidence seems to be returning for Rory McIlroy.
Rory McIlroy: Finding his groove again
The world number one has endured a nightmare few weeks, quitting during the middle of his second round at the Honda Classic last week before opening with a one-over-par 73 at the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Thursday.
He admitted afterwards that he was at lowest in terms of confidence during the first round.
"It was probably the lowest it's ever been. But I guess putting in the hard work and knowing what I'm doing is the right thing, and that I'm going in the right direction, gives me confidence going into the next few weeks," he said.
However, a couple of days can make the world of difference as McIlroy hit back with a 69 on Friday before a one under 71 left him at three under for the tournament.
Although he is still 15 shots off third-round leader Tiger Woods, the Ulsterman is happy with the way things have gone over the past two days.
"A lot of positives on the back nine," he said adding, "I've started hitting the ball a lot better this week. I'm getting there. It's good to see some good shots out there, and to make a few birdies on the back nine was nice.
"When you make birdies, it's a bit easier. When you're playing golf like that, you're a bit happier. Look, I know that I'm moving forward in my game and I'm going in the right direction. Another productive day [today] and it will give me something to work on and work towards for the next few weeks."
The 23-year-old admits he hasn't paid too much attention to his short game recently, but he plans to change that as he builds towards the US Masters at Augusta from April 11.
"I've just sort of neglected the wedge play and chipping, just because I've been working so hard on my swing," McIlroy said.
"But I feel like that's getting better now and I can devote a little bit more time to the wedge play and get that sharp, as well.
"Now that I feel like I'm on the right track with my swing, I can sort of devote a bit more time to some other parts of my game that I need to get sharp for Augusta.
"I feel a lot better. At this time last week, I was standing on the range at The Bear's Club grinding my [butt] off trying to find a swing that worked. To practice it and put it into play this week and actually see some good results ... I'm definitely in a better place."
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