Rory McIlroy plays on in pursuit of FedEx Cup glory

By PA Sport

Image: Rory McIlroy intends to contest the play-offs and try to win the overall FedEx Cup title

Rory McIlroy will try to defend his FedEx Cup title after deciding against sitting out the rest of the season to rest a persistent rib injury.

Speaking after a tie for 22nd in the US PGA Championship on Sunday which completed a third successive year without a major title, McIlroy said he was in two minds about competing again in 2017.

However, after seeking the advice of sports scientist Steve McGregor in Northern Ireland, McIlroy posted a link on Twitter on Friday to a competition where the winner gets to play with him during the pro-am ahead of the BMW Championship in September.

His manager confirmed to Press Association Sport via email that McIlroy intends to contest the play-offs and try to win the overall FedEx Cup title - and $10million (£7.8million) bonus - for the second year in succession.

McIlroy said he could feel his left rhomboid muscle going into spasm as he spoke to the media after his final round at Quail Hollow, adding that his left arm also went numb.

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The 28-year-old admitted he already had one eye on next April's Masters, which he needs to win to complete the career grand slam.

"I feel like I'm capable of playing well enough to give myself a chance in it," McIlroy said of the FedEx Cup.

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"At the same time, April is a long way away. That's the next big thing on my radar.

Image: McIlroy is currently 41st in the FedEx Cup rankings

"I feel like I have a sense of, not duty, but I've missed a lot of time already. If I'm capable of playing, I feel like why shouldn't you.

"But then at the same time if you are not capable of playing at your best, why should you play. It's a catch-22."

McIlroy is currently 41st in the FedEx Cup rankings and needs to be in the top 30 to qualify for the season-ending Tour Championship in late September.

The play-offs get under way with the Northern Trust Open on August 24, live on Sky Sports Golf, and McIlroy is the defending champion of the Dell Technologies Championship the following week.

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