Rory McIlroy pulls out of PGA Championship with rib injury

Rory McIlroy won the PGA tournament at Wentworth three years ago

World number two Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from next week's PGA Championship at Wentworth because of a rib injury.

The 28-year-old, who was treated for a stress fracture to his ribs earlier in the year, felt discomfort during the recent Players Championship in Florida.

"I have been advised to take a conservative approach to my recovery," said McIlroy.

"It is disappointing, but I have to ensure I make a full recovery."

McIlroy won the European Tour's PGA Championship at the Surrey course in 2014.

The four-time major winner said he would now concentrate on preparing for the US Open in June.

McIlroy originally suffered the rib problem in the off-season after hitting a lot of balls in practice as he tried to decide on new equipment after Nike decided to stop producing clubs.

It flared up as he lost a play-off to Graeme Storm at the South African Open in January, and he did not feature again until the WGC-Mexico Championship in March, when he finished four shots behind winner Dustin Johnson.

The Northern Irishman then felt discomfort at the Players at Sawgrass.