Rory McIlroy admits that he was disappointed with his score of 76 in the opening round of the WGC-CA Championship.
McIlroy hit six bogeys in a disastrous round to leave him well down the 68-strong field, and outscored by five by playing partner and defending champion Phil Mickelson.
"I'm just struggling," said the world number nine, who constantly peppered the bunkers with wayward shots.
"I'm not playing well and just can't keep things going. I've been struggling since the weekend in Dubai (now over a month ago)."
McIlroy refused to blame the back trouble he has suffered in that time, adding: "That's not really a factor. I'm struggling with the whole game. When you're playing well it's easy, but when you're not it's difficult."
McIlroy was rotating his back as he spoke to reporters, but insisted that he was just doing loosening exercises rather than working on a chronic problem.
"Just keeping it mobile for the 500 balls I'm about to hit!"