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”.

“I was only joking,” Clarke said yesterday. “I was taking the piss and everyone took me seriously.” McIlroy’s Tour Manager, Sean O’Flaherty, returned the Claret Jug to the R&A on Tuesday and revealed that the four-time major winner is at home in Belfast recuperating.

“Rory is in great spirits,” O’Flaherty said. “He’s positive and happy and looking forward to working through the process of getting back.” He ruled out all talk of surgery but added that it’s impossible to know exactly when the Holywood star will come back.

“Seemingly you just need time. It has to heal,” said the Maynooth native.

The PGA of America is keen to know if McIlroy will be ready to defend the Wanamaker Trophy at Whistling Straits from August 13-16 but McIlroy’s team can give them no assurances despite the fact that Dr Steve McGregor, his physio, is with him at all times.

O’Flaherty added: “Rory always starts the year in Abu Dhabi and he starts very well and generally does about five or six days to get ready... he doesn’t need that much leeway.”

Asked if McIlroy fans should buy their tickets for the US PGA, O’Flaherty joked: “All I can say is definitely buy your tickets for the Race to Dubai. He’ll definitely be back before then.”