Rory McIlroy has revealed that his "mental and emotional wellbeing" was a reason for him withdrawing from the RBC Heritage last month.
The world number three withdrew from the event, a decision which is estimated to have cost him over €2.7million, after failing to make the cut at the Masters days previously.
McIlroy will return to action at the Wells Fargo Championship this week for the first time since his Augusta agony.
READ MORE: Rory McIlroy makes huge change as he returns for first time since Masters
He told the Golf Channel: "I needed a break for me.
"Obviously, after the disappointment of Augusta, and it's been a pretty taxing 12 months mentally, so it was nice to just try to disconnect a little bit and get away from it.
"But it's nice to come back and feel refreshed and I think we're on a pretty busy run here from now until after the play-offs so I'm excited to get going.
"I think it was a combination of a few things, and just after the disappointment of Augusta and how I played there, it was just more for my mental and emotional wellbeing I just needed to be at home for those few weeks but, as I said, looking forward to getting back this week."
He added: "I think I'm in a better headspace than I was. Yes, you know, that run-up to Augusta is always a stressful enough couple of weeks trying to make sure everything is in the right order and making sure your game is in good shape.
"I think for me it was a nice reset because I still had to realise that there are three more majors this year, there is a ton left to play for."
McIlroy will be aiming to win the Wells Fargo Championship for a fourth time after previous victories in 2010, 2015 and 2021. He is a general 7/1 favourite in the betting with the bookies to do so at Quail Hollow in North Carolina.
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