Open 2012: Rory McIlroy disappointed by Lytham display

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has admitted that he "struggled" during the closing three rounds of the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The world number two finished with a second successive 73 to end the tournament well back on eight over par.

"My game hasn't been there. It was pretty good on the first day but after that I struggled and couldn't find anything," said McIlroy.

"I'm obviously disappointed. It is hard to make up shots on this golf course."

The Northern Irishman added: "I felt coming in I was playing pretty well, but when you try to force it and press things trying to get momentum, it just doesn't work."

McIlroy began his fourth round poorly, dropping four shots early on, including a bogey at the second and a double bogey at the third.

A series of pars was followed by a first birdie of the day for the former US Open champion at the 13th.

He then chipped in from a bunker at the 15th, but a bogey at the 16th saw him fall back to eight over.

McIlroy had begun the tournament with a promising 67 but a second-round 75 put pay to his challenge at the top of the leaderboard.