McIlroy determined to come back strong

KINGSBARNS, Scotland - Rory McIlroy brought the curtain down on his first winless season in nine years by vowing to return as a major force next year.

The four-time major champion ended a frustrating season on Sunday with a round of 72 and a distant share of 63rd place in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

It marks the first time since 2008 the Northern Irishman has gone a whole season without a victory.