Rory McIlroy WDs from BMW PGA Championship with rib injury

Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week’s BMW PGA Championship, the European Tour’s flagship event, with a rib injury.

McIlroy said last week at The Players that he reinjured himself in preparation for the PGA Tour’s crown jewel after not playing in the month following the Masters. At one point during the competition, he quickly grabbed his back after a swing in a sign of pain.

In a statement released through the European Tour, McIlroy said, “Having had a reaction to my earlier rib injury, I have been advised to take a conservative approach to my recovery which unfortunately means I have to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship next week. It’s a disappointing decision to have to make, but I have to ensure I make a full recovery. I will now continue the process of preparing my game for the U.S. Open and the rest of the season.”

Rory McIlroy is taking a conservative approach with his recovery. (Getty Images)

After The Players, McIlroy flew to Belfast to have a MRI which revealed he hadn’t further exacerbated an injury first experienced at the BWM South African Open in January. The injury forced McIlroy out of action for nearly two months, with the four-time major winner returning to the PGA Tour at the WGC-Mexico Championship in March.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

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