Rory McIlroy to miss European Tour BMW PGA Championship due to rib injury

A nagging rib injury will keep Rory McIlroy out of next week’s European Tour BMW PGA Championship, according to a statement released by the European Tour on Friday.

McIlroy had won the BMW PGA Championship at the same British course, the Wentworth Club, in 2014. The BMW PGA Championship is the first event of the European Tour’s Rolex Series.

McIlroy, a four-time major winner, disclosed in January that he had suffered a stress fracture to one of his ribs, and thus he wasn't able to start his season until March's WGC-Mexico Championship.

"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,” McIlroy said in a statement.

“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."

The announcement comes less than a month from the U.S. Open, which will be staged in Erin Hills, Wis., June 15-18. The 2011 U.S. Open was his first major win, although he missed the cut last year.

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