PIC: Rory McIlroy recovering after laser eye surgery

World number three Rory McIlroy is recovering from laser eye surgery.

He posted a picture of himself on Thursday wearing special goggles, alongside the words: “Human version of the dreaded K-9 cone.... Only for sleeping though! Laser eye surgery went well yesterday.”

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The 26-year-old spoke last month of how he was relishing the prospect of an injury-free 2016 after victory in the DP World Tour Championship ensured he ended the campaign as European number one for the third time in the last four years.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to finish the season so I’m really happy going into the Christmas break and looking forward to what’s in store for 2016,” he said after his triumph in Dubai.

McIlroy missed three tournaments this summer, including the defence of his Open title at St Andrews, due to an ankle injury suffered playing football with friends and needed a controversial exemption to compete in the European Tour’s season finale after not playing enough events.

He added: “I’m looking forward to playing a full European Tour schedule next year with no hiccups.”