Golf:Rory McIlroy is focused on ending his season with a first European Tour victory of the year after admitting his relief at opting to quit the US PGA Tour to stay closer to his roots.
Last week, the world number 10 announced he would not renew membership of the premier US circuit for 2011, citing in part, boredom and missing the comforts of being home and competing in Europe.
It was a decision the 21-year old had been contemplating for some months but now he has made the move, McIlroy's looking to end the year with success at either this week's Hong Kong Open or the season-ending Dubai World Championship.
McIroy registered his only win this year at the PGA Tour's Quail Hollow Championship and despite a quintet of top-five finishes on the European Tour, his only success on the home circuit remains last year's Dubai Desert Classic.
"It's been a good 12 months but then I've had my ups and downs," he said ahead of this week's Hong Kong Open. "I've thrown in some really good golf and I've also had some pretty average weeks, as well.
McIlroy said his experience as a full-time competitor in America helped in his personal development.
"I found out a lot about myself and why I was playing and what makes you happy and what makes you want to play golf," he said. "I found out the places I like to go to has a lot to do with it, and also there's no point playing a golf tournament where you don't want to be at.
"All year, I was trying to really pick and choose my events where I felt I could be happy in the places I was. But in announcing I was quitting the US Tour, I didn't think it would have been such a big deal but then with Lee Westwood not going and Martin (Kaymer) still undecided, I can see how it could create a bit of a stir.
"But at the end of the day, you have to make yourself happy. You have to look after number one. You have to spend more time at home and besides, spending more time playing in Europe will definitely make me a lot happier."