Rory McIlroy withdraws from next week's BMW PGA due to on-going rib injury

Fresh off finishing the Players despite an on-going rib injury, Rory McIlroy has elected to withdraw from next week's BMW PGA Championship in hopes of recovering in time for the U.S. Open next month.

McIlroy's rib injury, which first surfaced in January and required him to begin his season later than normal (at the WGC-Mexico Championship), reemerged Friday at the Players. At the time, he believed the rest was manageable, but now, he'll be sitting out of the European Tour event at the caution of doctors.

"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 US Open and the rest of the season."

McIlroy did not mention when his next scheduled start would be, but he has played the Memorial Tournament (which begins June 1, 2017) six of the last seven years.