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Golf icon Rory McIlroy is feeling highly optimistic about his performance at the Travelers Championship as he prepares to tackle The Open. The Northern Irish sensation is returning to the UK in high spirits despite missing out on the win at TPC River Highlands.

McIlroy's impressive closing round of 65 in Cromwell, Connecticut, suggests he is rediscovering the form that earned him a monumental Masters victory in April. That's after displaying some shaky signs in his outings since that iconic Augusta win.

The 36-year-old's title in Georgia elevated him to new heights after completing the career Grand Slam. But by his own admission, finding motivation has been a challenge as he seeks his next major golf feat.

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McIlroy had a disappointing run at the PGA Championship and a mostly difficult week at the US Open, not to mention missing the cut at the Canadian Open. However, his final round at Oakmont signalled a return to form before he followed that up with a solid performance this past weekend.

While Tommy Fleetwood and Keegan Bradley battled it out at the finish, McIlroy quietly scored an excellent 65 on Sunday. The Daily Record reported how McIlroy added to an opening 64 for a final total of 12-under par, tying with Scottie Scheffler for sixth place.

"I drove it better, but I felt like I started to drive it better at Oakmont, so that was really good," he told reporters as he broke down the factors he felt went in his favour this past weekend. "I putted the ball well, feel like I finished up there in the putting stats.

"I think as well playing in a little bit of wind a couple of days here, trying to control your ball flight with irons a little bit, feel like that was good. Overall felt like my game was certainly better than it has been the last few weeks, which is a good sign."

Both his play and overall demeanour were positive, promising signs as he heads home for a crucial period. His Open preparation will resume with the Genesis Scottish Open before his attempt for a second Claret Jug on home turf at Royal Portrush.

McIlroy is looking forward to a break and a chance to regroup, ready for the exciting fortnight ahead. And the fan favourite appeared confident he's back on the right track.

The fast turnaround after the Masters triumph didn't leave much room for celebration with his loved ones. But McIlroy hopes to correct that in the coming weeks as he added: "It was a good way to end the week, sort of good, positive vibes going into a couple-week break and get ready for Scotland and The Open Championship.

"I definitely saw some positive signs in the game overall, which was really good to see. Looking forward to getting back over to my neck of the woods for a couple weeks and be prepared for a little bit of links golf.

"I think more so than anything else it will just be good for me mentally to take a little bit of a break and, as I said, get back to my neck of the woods, get back to the UK for a little bit, excited for that.

"I've alluded to the fact I probably haven't taken enough time off or time to reflect after what happened [at Masters] in April, so I'm excited to do a little bit of that over these next two weeks."