25 Jan 2017

McIIroy out till March

7:19 am on 25 January 2017

The injured Rory McIlroy has ruled himself out of action for a further month, targeting a return in Mexico in March.

The world number two has been struggling with a rib injury he suffered at the South Africa Open earlier this month.

He has already missed the Abu Dhabi Championship and has pulled out of next week's Dubai Desert Classic.

Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on number 6 during the World Golf Championships - Dell Match Play Round 7 finals at the Austin Country Club Austin, Texas.

Rory McIIroy Photo: Photosport

Now the Northern Irishman aims to come back at the WGC Mexico Championship on March 2, more than six weeks after he fractured his rib.

"I'm trying to get back for Mexico," told Fox Sport.

"That's my timetable for return. I could probably get back before that. For example, if I were to play Honda (the Honda Classic in late February) and then go straight to Mexico, I would be playing two weeks in a row.

"I'd like to ease my way back in gently. Mexico is the perfect time to return because it's four rounds, there's no cut. I can see how everything feels. I have a week off after that.

"All signs pointed towards Mexico being the one I could come back to and be 100 percent comfortable at. Hopefully it will work out that way and that's when I'm back."