It may turn out the stress fracture to Rory McIlroy's rib has a silver lining. Had the injury been to his back, as he initially believed, McIlroy may have had more reason to worry. Back trouble and golf, especially at an early stage in a career, is never a useful combination.
He will have to endure short-term discomfort, which will give rise to speculation about how well prepared the world No2 will be at Augusta National in April. No timescale has been put on McIlroy’s return but it would be a surprise if he reappeared at the Dubai Desert Classic in early February. When coupled with his withdrawal from the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship this week, that would mean two events wiped from his Masters buildup. On a personal level, McIlroy will endure frustration at the enforced inactivity doctors have advised. He is not the type to sit in front of an Xbox for hours.
This should not be disastrous, just as the timing could have been a whole lot worse. McIlroy has shown he can return from concerted absences before competing. He deliberately arranged a busy spell pre-Augusta, meaning several tournament opportunities – as many as six – remain.
In a specific Masters context, his mindset has always appeared the key barrier to claiming a Green Jacket more than matters of golf mechanics. The worst-case scenario would involve painkillers and some protective tape.
But speculation is natural. An orthopaedic surgeon from Indiana told the Golf Channel that McIlroy faces an extended layoff. “If you do not give it time to heal, it can result in a full fracture,” Dr Sandy Kunkel said. “Typically, an injury of this sort will take a minimum of six weeks.”
Then again, Dr Kunkel has not seen McIlroy’s scans. Albeit educated, this constitutes guesswork. “The modern golf swing is hard on the body,” he said. “To have athletes in their 20s experiencing these types of injuries is very concerning for the long term.”
It is also very rare. McIlroy has not experienced a problem like this before. His only serious injury came on a football field, which undermines the wider point about how he swings the club. McIlroy’s medical team, including the respected Dr Steve McGregor, are among the best in sport. McIlroy’s ankle woe of 2015, which was far more acute than this rib injury, was noteworthy yet is not mentioned at all now.
McIlroy’s ailment is thought to have been caused by the number of shots he hit when testing new equipment and particularly drivers. Until the pain of his rib occurred, his only unease would surely be when asked about what clubs are in his bag; with no contracts signed, McIlroy would be affording equipment companies mass and free advertising should he speak expansively on topic. And make no mistake, McIlroy knows his own worth.
In Abu Dhabi, his absence will be keenly felt. Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson and the defending champion Rickie Fowler claim gallery support but McIlroy is the blue-chip man. While he is not on the same scale as Tiger Woods, McIlroy gives European Tour events a fresh dynamic.
“It’s a bummer that Rory is not going to be able to play this week,” Fowler said. “He’s one of the best players in the world. It was fun to have him in contention with me last year here.
“But the biggest thing is for him to take care of himself and make sure he’s healthy. So hopefully he’s able to get back quickly. He’s definitely a fan favourite and I love playing against him. We’ve had a lot of good battles and good times together. Like I said, hopefully he’s not out long and able to get back, and he’s obviously playing well. He played well [in South Africa] last week.
“Does that make me look at the tournament any differently? No. It’s one less top player in the world I’m going to have to beat, but the field here is one of the best fields on the European Tour. Three of the major champions from last year are here. It’s not going to be any easier to win.”
McIlroy will be looking on. This injury, though, is not cause for deep despair; rather a footnote when career dust settles.
(Guardian service)
