McIlroy to have scan on back problem

The Northern Irishman played through the pain in losing a play-off to Graeme Storm at the BMW SA Open on Sunday after revealing on Friday morning that he had considered pulling out of the event due to the problem.

McIlroy initially cited the problem as suspected fatigue after an off-season that has seen him hit a lot of balls in practice trying to decide on new equipment after former supplier Nike decided to stop producing clubs last year.

But the world number two will now undergo a scan on Monday to make sure the problem is nothing more sinister after playing in Johannesburg with his back taped up and taking anti-inflammatories.

American stars Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler - the defending champion - will be playing in Abu Dhabi and it would be a big blow for McIlroy to miss an event that has seen him finish outside the top three just three times in nine appearances.

“I am going for a scan tomorrow,” he said. “I fly to Dubai tonight and then will go for an MRI tomorrow just to see what’s up with this joint in my back.

“It was manageable this week with tape and a few pills so I am fine but first and foremost I have to get fully fit and healthy again and hopefully I’ll be alright to play next week.

“We will see what happens but like I said, it is manageable with the tape and a few anti-inflammatories but it’s not 100 per cent.”

SEE PAGE ??

“Part of me really wants to make this week because there is so much to play for but at the same time there is so much to play for over the whole season and I don’t want to jeopardise long-term goals for short-term gain. Hopefully I’ll be good to go.”