McIlroy a doubt for Abu Dhabi

RORY MCILROY says he unsure if he will be able to play in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship due to a back problem.

The Northern Irishman lost out to Graeme Storm in a play-off on Sunday at the South African Open, having earlier revealed that he had considered withdrawing from the tournament due to his fitness woes.

However, with the aid of painkillers and medical tape he managed to complete all four rounds at Glendower and will now have an MRI scan upon his return to Dubai.

McIlroy had originally planned to play next week in Abu Dhabi, a tournament which is also set to feature the likes of Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.

The 27-year-old, who could go back to the top of the world rankings with a win in the UAE, is unsure if he will be able to participate though, as he does not know if he will be fit enough to play.

“I am going for a scan tomorrow,” he told the European Tour’s official website. “I fly to Dubai tonight and then will go for an MRI tomorrow just to see what’s up with this joint in my back.

“Part of me really wants to make this week because there is so much to play for but at the same time there is so much to play for over the whole season and I don’t want to jeopardise long-term goals for short-term gain. Hopefully I’ll be good to go.”

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McIlroy was pleased with his efforts after he posted a five-under-par 67 at the recent South Africa Open in Johannesburg.

In his first competitive round of 2017, the world number two looked rusty at times, with a few wayward drives on the course at the Glendower Golf Club.

However, the 27-year-old showed composure to recover for pars and was ultimately pleased as he blew away the cobwebs in Joburg.

He said: “I was a bit adventurous on my second nine.

“As my round drew to a close, I had to scramble on a few holes and did my bit by salvaging some pars. I played well, giving myself birdie chances.”

One of the biggest surprises of the day was veteran Nick Faldo’s round on a rare appearance on the Tour.

The six-time major winner managed to card a score of 70 to stay in the mix on the opening day.

Tagged Abu Dhabi Championship, Rory McIlroy