Rory McIlroy goes in search of a third USPGA Championship in five years this week when the world's best golfers descend on Baltusrol.

McIlroy struggled at the Open earlier this month and left himself with too much to do heading into the weekend to challenge Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson at the top of the leaderboard.

While the pair looked all but untouchable, McIlroy will find comfort in the course lay-outs and past successes in at this event. 

"I feel there's been times where I got a little bit of momentum, and then sort of got set back a little bit,” he told Golf Digest. "I'm trying to stay as positive as I can. I feel like I am positive because my game is in good shape. But I guess just maybe running out of patience a little bit and trying to make it happen.

"I don't know if there's one word to describe this year, that's sort of a hard question. But I think you get a sense of how I've felt about the year and trying to get better and trying to get my name in the mix."

McIlroy has struggled with his short game and missed numerous putts during the Open which saw him struggle to pick up any momentum. However, calmer conditions and his driving ability may give him the edge ahead of Dustin Johnson among others. 

"I feel like I'm swinging it well," McIlroy said. "I'm hitting it good. Every aspect of my game, I'm very comfortable with. So you know, combine that with the layout of the golf course here, and I feel like this is my best chance this year to win a major."