Rory McIlroy says he will not return to competitive golf until March

Image: Rory McIlroy is out of contention until March because of a rib injury

Rory McIlroy hopes to make his comeback from injury at the WGC event in Mexico at the beginning of March.

The world No 2 is recovering from a stress fracture of his rib and had already withdrawn from next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

The four-time major winner has now confirmed he will sit out next month's Genesis Open in California and the Honda Classic in Florida as he looks to return to full health for the Masters in April.

Image: McIlroy hopes to be fully fit for the Masters at Augusta in April

He told Shane Bacon's The Clubhouse podcast: "I can't even run at the minute because if my feet hit the ground hard at all, the vibration in my rib cage sort of hurts.

"I'd like to sort of ease my way in gently, so Mexico is the perfect time to return.

Advertisement

"It's four rounds, there's no cut, I can see how everything feels. I have a week off after that, so all signs point toward Mexico being the one where I could come back and be 100 per cent comfortable. Hopefully it works out that way."

The best of the action from the final round of the BMW SA Open, where Graeme Storm edged out Rory McIlroy in a thrilling tussle

McIlroy had to take anti-inflammatory tablets to combat his discomfort during last week's BMW SA Open, where he lost to Graeme Storm in a play-off.

Also See:

By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.

Outbrain