Rory McIlroy says best golf is yet to come after winning the Players Championship

Rory McIlroy missed the win in the Players Championship last year

Rory McIlroy says his best wave is yet to come after winning the Players Championship at Sawgrass.

The four-fold big winner delivered an excellent performance on the back nine to beat Jim Furyk with one single blow on Sunday.

It caused the 29-year-old Northern Irish to claim his first PGA Tour title since March 2018.

"I started the second phase of my career I learned a lot in the past 10-11 years and I think I can make the next 10-11 years even better, "he said.

McIlroy, who started the day shot behind third-round leader John Rahm, finished 16 under par after a closing two-under 70.

He has now finished in the top six in all six of his 2019 events.

His first professional victory came at the Dubai Desert Classic in February 2009 and he won his four majors in just three years from June 2011 to August 2014.

McIlroy is aiming for his first major in almost five years on next month's Masters. Victory at Augusta would only make him the sixth player to complete the Grand Slam of Masters, Open Championship, US Open and US PGA Championship titles.

He has 24 victories in his entirety as a professional.

Victory on St. Patrick's Day in Florida saw him join a select band of Europeans – Martin Kaymer (2014), Henrik Stenson (2009), Sergio Garcia (2008) and Sandy Lyle (1987) ) – to win at Sawgrass.

"It is a huge victory over a course I have had mixed results, I had to show a lot of character there," McIlroy added

"I am just really proud of myself as I am played the last few holes.

"I kept telling myself on the way to the 17th tee, just make three good swings, that's all you have to do and this thing is yours.

"To climb up and make those three good swings, it is very satisfying to know that it is there when needed.

" When I go to Augusta with a similar g ame and attitude then I think I have a big chance. "