Rory McIlroy admits he s got a love-hate relationship with the game - just three weeks before the Masters at Augusta.

The Holywood starlet, 21, was frustrated to finish only 10th in the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Sunday.

A closing 74 was not what he had in mind after a birdie at the first hole left him just two shots off the lead.

But he let the tough conditions get to him and even threw a club in anger at the ninth hole.

Writing on Twitter after his round, McIlroy said: Golf and I are in a love hate relationship at the minute. Mostly hate today. More important things going on in the world anyway. #Japan.

European Tour players are usually handed a hefty fine from throwing clubs.

But McIlroy could escape punishment because the event was run by the US Tour.

A spokesman for the PGA Tour said: We do not comment on these matters.

McIlroy flung his club ahead of him in disgust following his tee shot on par-three ninth at Doral s TPC Blue Monster.

The Ulsterman remained at eighth in the latest world rankings and intends to practice at home to get ready for the first major of the season at Augusta.