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Jan 17th, 2017
Injury rules Rory McIlroy out of Abu Dhabi Championship
Rory "gutted"
Words: Tim Southwell Photography: Getty Images
Rory McIlroy is out of the Abu Dhabi Championship due to injury.
Rors had tests on Monday after complaining about back pain during the South Africa Open, in which he lost to Graeme Storm in a play off Sunday.
"It's bitterly disappointing. I think everyone knows how much I love playing this tournament," said Rory. "In situations like this you simply have to listen to the experts, and the team I have consulted have all advised me to rest until my rib has fully recovered."
Rory had to down a bucket load of anti-inflamatory tablets and have his back taped-up in the last couple of rounds in Johannesburg. Initially he thought the pain was caused by hitting tooo many balls in winter practice but it's now emerged he suffered a stress fracture to a rib and is now entering a period of rehab.
Recovery permitting, Rory is now due to be playing the Omega Dubai Desert Classic which starts 2nd February. Two players definitely lining up are Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.