The world’s number one golfer
Rory McIlroy has announced he is “100 percent” fit and ready to take on the final major of the year, the PGA Championship.
McIlroy, who has been out of competitive play since injuring his left ankle on July 4, told reporters yesterday, “To play golf, it’s 100 percent.” Adding, “To go back on a soccer pitch, it wouldn’t be quite ready. But to do what I need to do this week, it’s 100 percent.”
The Northern Irishman sustained the injury earlier this summer after having a “kick-about” with friends. At the time McIlroy announced he had ruptured ligaments in his left ankle and confirmed he would be out for the Scottish Open via his instagram page. Posting a picture of himself wearing a boot and on crutches.
McIlroy stated at the time, “Total rupture of left ATFL (ankle ligament) and associated joint capsule damage in a soccer kickabout with friends on Saturday. Continuing to assess extent of injury and treatment plan day by day. Rehab already started..... Working hard to get back as soon as I can.”
McIlroy went on to miss the Open Championship later that month as well as the Bridgestone Invitational just last week. But the 26-year-old said on Monday he has been hitting balls and training since July 28 and feels now is the time to come back.
“I was ready to go whether it was this week, whether it was some other tournament. It wasn’t like I was trying to get back for this. It just so happened that I was feeling good enough to go this week.”
The defending champion will have his work cut out for him when he tees off on Thursday. Having not played for six weeks combined with the terrain of Whistling Straits, it will be interesting to see how McIlroy fares during the first two rounds as he plays with Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson.
