Tour News
REPORT: Rory McIlroy WDs from Abu Dhabi with stress fracture in rib
Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the 2017 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship with what reports call a stress fracture in his rib.
“Rory McIlroy has been forced to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after tests revealed he has sustained a rib injury,” the European Tour said in a statement.
He fought what he called a back injury in his most recent appearance at the European Tour’s BMW South Africa Open Championship, where he finished second after losing in a three-hole playoff to Graeme Storm. McIlroy underwent an MRI on Monday, revealing the injury in his rib.
“It’s bitterly disappointing to have to withdraw from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship,” McIlroy said in a statement. “I think everyone knows how much I love playing this tournament, which is one of the best on the European Tour thanks to the incredible support of HSBC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
“To be forced to miss this week through injury is really quite annoying to be perfectly honest, but I am sure the tournament will be a huge success and I hope everyone involved has a great week.”
Reports do not list a timetable for his return.
“In situations like this you simply have to listen to the experts,” McIlroy said, “and the team I have consulted have all advised me to rest until my rib has fully recovered.”
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See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.

Mike Honcho
Jan 17, 2017 at 7:38 am
Way to go Rors, keep following in Eldrick’s footsteps. The 8-ball sez, there is a fire hydrant in your future as well.
rymail00
Jan 16, 2017 at 10:48 pm
I pulled the muscles around my rib cage in the beginning of 2016 season, and without a doubt it completely sucks. It hurt to just take a deep breath, coughing was unbareable.
I’d signed a for a big local stroke tourney, and it sucked the whole time. Literally 12-15 Advil before teeing off, and a few more throughout the round (it was an expensive entre fee I paid before all this happened).
If Rory has this problem, or even worse…..I can understand bowing out of a tournies. Hell his swing is so much more athletic, and he turns more, with way more body torque so it has to be even worse on him. If his injury is legit.
Anyways just my $.02 on it so take it for what it’s worth.
Mike
Jan 16, 2017 at 10:14 pm
It has rib break technology, not jail break.
Mike
Jan 16, 2017 at 10:13 pm
I guess the “Epic” was a little to much for him.
ooffa
Jan 16, 2017 at 7:03 pm
Steroids really do mess you up.
Dick
Jan 16, 2017 at 4:29 pm
Like Eldrip and his relatively weak lower body as compared to upper, Vapid McIlroy has asked too much from his skeleton and might be iffy for the 2017 Masters.
Looks great is a ike shirt.
prime21
Jan 16, 2017 at 5:44 pm
Your title fits you perfectly. 80% of Rory’s work is lower body, so you nailed that one. Rory has one of the fastest swings in golf which puts his body under tremendous stress. While no injury is good, I’m sure he would take a fractured rib over many of the alternatives. Seriously though Rory, you should stop making yourself stronger and more flexible, and simply eat some chips, drink some beers, and listen to all the Dick’s out there. Only they know exactly what is best for you, your health & your golf game. When will you learn?
Head
Jan 16, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Gibber