GOLF: Struggling McIlroy may miss rest of season

McIlroy came into the US PGA Championship as the pre-tournament favourite on the back of top-five finishes in his last two starts and a brilliant record at the host venue of Quail Hollow, including two wins and a course record of 61.

However, the 28-year-old was never in contention for a first major victory since the 2014 US PGA at Valhalla and completed a closing 68 before the final groups teed off in round four.

Asked after his third round how far off his best he was following a year which has included a serious injury, a change of equipment, his wedding and a split from long-term caddie JP Fitzgerald, McIlroy simply replied: “Looking forward to 2018.”

And speaking on Sunday, the 28-year-old expanded on his dilemma about playing again this season or trying to win the FedEx Cup - and USD10million bonus - for the second year running.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said McIlroy, who suffered the rib/back injury testing equipment over the winter.

“You might not see me until next year. It really depends. I have upped my practice coming into these two events because I wanted to feel like I was in a good place in my game.”