Rory McIlroy has dismissed remarks by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo that his poor run of form is due to a lack of practice.
The world number two admitted that he has not been at his best since winning the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last November, but vowed to reverse his fortunes.
"[Faldo] said I should be at the course nine to five. I actually was on the range at 6.15am on Tuesday and got out of the gym at 6.15pm, a 12-hour day compared to his eight-hour day," Sky Sports News quotes McIlroy as saying.
"Nick should know how hard this game is at times and he's been in our position before. He should know how much work that we all put into it."
McIlroy went on to admit that his poor drive has caused his game to suffer, but said he is addressing the problem.
"I've also got a new driver in the bag... it's a different head shape, more of a pear shape, but it encourages the club face to close a little bit more," he added.
"My bad drive this year has been losing it to the right so this is encouraging the club face to square up on impact and obviously I'm not getting that right shot anymore which is a huge plus."
McIlroy has not won a tournament since his victory in Dubai.
