Saturday 20 May 2017 13:24, UK
Rory McIlroy has announced he has withdrawn from next week's BMW PGA Championship due to his on-going rib injury.
The world No 2 has made just six worldwide starts in 2017 after sustaining a stress fracture to his ribs earlier in the year, with McIlroy feeling discomfort during last week's Players Championship .
An MRI scan on Monday confirmed that McIlroy hadn't suffered a fresh injury and the pain was a "low-grade response" to his previous setback, but the Northern Irishman has confirmed he will miss the European Tour's Rolex Series opener.
"Having had a reaction to my earlier rib injury, I have been advised to take a conservative approach to my recovery which unfortunately means I have to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship next week," McIlroy said.
"It's a disappointing decision to have to make, but I have to ensure I make a full recovery. I will now continue the process of preparing my game for the US Open and the rest of the season".
McIlroy also pulled out of last year's event at Wentworth, having missed the cut in his title defence in 2015.
The four-time major winner's next scheduled appearance is at The Memorial from June 1-4, which is currently his only planned appearance ahead of next month's US Open at Erin Hills.
"There is no question that Rory will be missed at the BMW PGA Championship, but his health is the most important thing and we wish him a speedy recovery," European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said.
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