The 30-year-old was targeting Masters glory in April before the coronavirus pandemic decimated the golf calendar.
McIlroy was competing in the PLAYERS Championship earlier this month when officials took the decision to suspend play until at least May.
All PGA Tour events until May 21 were cancelled while the Masters and PGA Championship were postponed.
Now with all golf courses in England closed and similar rules in parts of the United States, McIlroy says he’s struggling to find a purpose.
Speaking on Instagram with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, he said: “I need something to practice for.
“I have no idea when we are going to play again and I’d rather build myself up to something. I know if I go out there and hit balls, I’m not doing it for any purpose.
“I love golf and it has given me a lot of really great things but I think I love the competition more. If there’s no competition, then there’s nothing to look forward to.
“Right now, I am just enjoying spending some time at home, getting after it in the gym, and spending time by the pool or playing tennis.
“I realise there are a lot of us who are very fortunate to have gyms in our house and all sorts of stuff so that we can keep busy.”
Officials are yet to make a call on when golf will return and the US Open is the next major on the schedule in June.
But that tournament is now in doubt, too, with the venue Winged Foot forced shut as the US battles the coronavirus pandemic.
