Injured McIlroy withdraws from PGA Championship

London - Rory McIlroy on Friday withdrew from next week's prestigious PGA Championship at Wentworth, England, because of a niggling rib injury.

The 28-year-old four-time major champion, who only returned to action last week from a month off following his wedding, missed five weeks earlier in the season becuase of the injury and aggravated it at last week's Players Championship.

"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 PGA Championship next week," the Northern Irishman said in a statement on the EPGA website.

"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."