Ace Golfer Rory McIlroy has pulled out of next week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational tournament due to a thigh injury, Sports Courant reported.
McIlroy, the winner of three prestigious titles this year has informed tournament organizers on Wednesday that he will not be able to defend his title at Firestone Country Club, a PGA Tour release revealed.
“Unfortunately, I will not be defending my World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational title,” read a statement released by tournament officials on Wednesday.
“Best of luck to all the competitors and I look forward to returning to Firestone in 2016.”
The top-ranked player has been missing from action since sustaining a “total rupture” of the anterior talofibular ligament earlier this month while playing soccer with friends and is still nursing the same.
The 26-year-old has spent time in mainland Europe, completing outdoor warm-weather rehabilitation work under the close watch of Dr. Steve McGregor, his personal trainer, but an exact timeframe for his return remains unknown. However, the autumn’s FedEx Cup playoffs perhaps seem most pragmatic target for him to be back in action hitting the golf shots.
The Northern Irishman may lose his world No1 status to Jordan Spieth after withdrawing from next week’s showpiece event, the very tournament at which he reclaimed the mantle in 2014. The young Texan professional has been in a stunning form that has seen him win two major titles and come within a touching distance of featuring in a playoff at the Open.
In his six previous visits to Firestone, McIlroy has secured four top-10 finishes. Last year, he won by two shots from Sergio Garcia after rounds of 69 and 64 were backed up by two 66s.
Chris Kirk of the United States will also miss the prestigious tournament due to a broken hand.
