McIlroy withdraws from Abu Dhabi

Virginia Water - Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Abu Dhabi Championship this week because of a rib injury.

The European Tour released a statement on Monday saying the second-ranked McIlroy underwent tests after he was injured during the SA Open and they revealed a stress fracture.

McIlroy said it was "bitterly disappointing" and "really quite annoying" to miss the tournament, which has the best field of the season on the European Tour.

He said, "In situations like this, you simply have to listen to the experts."

The Northern Irishman played with the injury for the final three rounds in Johannesburg, where he lost in a play-off to Graeme Storm.

The Abu Dhabi Championship starts on Thursday and is headlined by Americans Dustin Johnson and defending champion Rickie Fowler.

Injury forces @McIlroyRory out of Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

Full statement: https://t.co/nmBnUQkC4C

— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 16, 2017