Rory Mcllroy opts to delay return until March

Rory McIlroy does not expect to be back in action from a rib injury until the WGC-Mexico Championship in March — just a month before the Masters.

The 27-year-old missed last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the European Tour subsequently confirmed he would also not take part in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Mcllroy said: “I am trying to get back for Mexico, that’s my timetable for return.