McIlroy adds British Masters to schedule

Rory McIlroy says victory in the British Masters would help end a disappointing year on a high after being added to the field.

The Northern Irishman has added the European Tour event to his calendar having failed to qualify for the PGA Tour season-ending Tour Championship and will head to Newcastle next week for what will be his penultimate tournament of the year. 

The world number eight will enjoy an extended off-season in the hope of overcoming persistent rib and back injuries, wrapping up his campaign at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October.

Before then, McIlroy will end a nine-year hiatus from the British Masters by headlining this year’s edition. 

Having failed to win an event all year, McIlroy is hopeful of claiming the spoils at Close House, albeit he will be competing against the likes of Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.

“Teeing it up next week gives me one more chance to end 2017 on a high as well,” he told Sky Sports. “If I can sign off the year with a win or two in Newcastle and then St Andrews I would take so many positives into my six-week recovery period when I am going to reset mentally and physically and concentrate on getting myself in the right shape for next year.”