Rory McIlroy admitted he did not play well enough to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, but predicted that could mean more misery for his rivals next year.

McIlroy finished joint second behind defending champion Henrik Stenson, who birdied the last two holes. But after a six-week lay-off the four-time major winner was pleased to come so close on his return to action, with his attempt to complete the career Grand Slam in April's Masters already high on the agenda.

As he picked up the European money list trophy for the second time in three seasons, McIlroy had two words to say when asked for his goals for 2015: "Green Jacket".

To golfers, that phrase means one thing - winning the US Masters, the only major championship to elude the Northern Irishman. "It's not something I thought possible, I will work hard and make sure I'm ready for it."

Winning in Augusta will be tough - no European has done it since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999 - yet McIlroy is well equipped to end the drought after a season in which he claimed a maiden British Open title, a second US PGA crown and two other European Tour victories.

He added: "In terms of ball striking, I've driven it better, which is a huge part of my game. When I drive it well I can give myself shorter irons into greens and more opportunities for birdies. My mid-range putting has been very good this year."

The 25-year-old admitted the pressure of being the world's best had been difficult to handle.

"I used to be uncomfortable. There's added scrutiny and there's added criticism," said McIlroy. "But I learned to deal with it. It's just part of the title. I want to keep it for as long as I possibly can."

McIlroy's 2014 resurgence happened despite off-course dramas. He split up with his fiancee, tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, and is involved in a legal dispute with his former agents which led him to miss some events.

"I learned a lot. I feel I came through this year stronger and wiser and can go into 2015 in a much better place," said McIlroy.