Injured Rory McIlroy a major doubt to defend US PGA crown

Rory McIlroy looks unlikely to recover in time to defend his US PGA title in four weeks’ time but his backroom team appear hopeful he can make the FedEx Cup and the conclusion to the European Tour’s Race to Dubai.

The next two weeks will reveal whether the world No 1 is a fast or slow healer and determine when he can hope to play again after rupturing ankle ligaments playing football with friends on July 4.

Darren Clarke prompted speculation McIlroy could be out for the rest of the season when he accepted an award on McIlroy’s behalf at the Association of Golf Writers’ annual dinner in St Andrews on Tuesday and hinted that Rory was looking forward to seeing everyone again “in January”.