Rory McIlroy is ready to get "back on the horse" at the BMW PGA Championship following his near-miss on home soil last week.
The Northern Irishman had to settle for second place at the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down after Rasmus Højgaard's barnstorming finish saw him secure his fifth DP World Tour title by one shot.
The 23-year-old Dane came home in 31, carding six birdies - including a hat-trick to complete his final round - and a bogey to set the nine-under-par clubhouse target, which proved just too much for the World Number Three.
Many believe it was a missed opportunity for the four-time Major Champion, however, McIlroy was keen to stress that he remains positive about his game and is targeting another strong week at Wentworth Club.
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"It's amazing. I mean, in all honesty, I was really excited to get back and play, obviously I played last week," McIlroy said. "Play this week and the Dunhill in a couple of weeks' time as well. You know, three of my favourite events of the year.
"Here at Wentworth, the sun is shining and so many people are out there on a Wednesday. There's not many better places to be so I'm excited to be here.
"Looking forward to getting back on the horse after what happened last Sunday and giving it another go.
"I'm glad for the opportunity to get back on the horse again. I think there may be a misconception that it hit me harder than it maybe did.
"You know, I didn't really feel like I necessarily lost the tournament. I felt like Rasmus went out and won it. Shot 31 on the back nine. Looking back on Sunday and the support of the crowds and that scene on 18 and everything, it was amazing to be a part of.
"Obviously just trying to look for the positives in all of it but yeah, happy to get here. My game is feeling like it's in pretty good shape and I feel like I have another chance to win a really big tournament that means a lot to me."
McIlroy has not tasted success at Virginia Water since claiming the title in 2014 - then in its May slot on the calendar - which came two months before his most recent Major triumph at the 143rd Open Championship.
The 35-year-old did not hold back on the impact it would have if he was to return to the winner's enclosure and lift his 18th DP World Tour crown of his career on Sunday.
"It would mean a lot. It feels like quite a long time since I won at Quail Hollow back in May, and I've come close here a couple of times," McIlroy added. "I was second to Francesco (Molinari) in 2018; second to Shane (Lowry) in 2022.
"My form at this tournament over the last few years has been very good. So yeah, it would be nice to just get another win on the board. It's felt like a while and I've played some very good golf in that stretch, not just been able to get over the line.
"I think for me, it would just be wonderful to give myself another chance. Every Sunday that I get myself into contention is an opportunity, but also a day to test myself and learn from the good, the bad and everything else."
