Johannesburg – Rory McIlroy may be in danger of withdrawing from the SA Open after hurting his upper back during round two at Glendower Golf Club on Friday.
The world-number two first grimaced in pain after a shot into the fifth hole and could be seen stretching on his haunches afterwards. With bad weather closing in during the final stages of his round, McIlroy bogied his final two holes to settle for a second round four-under 68.
It left the four-time Major winner well-placed on nine under after two rounds, three off the lead set by England’s Graeme Storm on 12-under.
The 27-year-old later revealed that he had tweaked something in his back before the round.
“I’m sort of surprised I’m standing here as I was thinking of pulling out before even going off today,” said McIlroy.
“I’ve tweaked my back somehow and the first few shots of today weren’t very comfortable. It still isn’t comfortable. I can’t really take a deep breath because I’ve done something in my upper back.”
McIlroy said he would immediately seek treatment to avoid withdrawing. “I’m going to go get some treatment now. I don’t want to withdraw, it will let a lot of people down. That’s why I kept going today.”
The high profile McIlroy has attracted unprecedented large crowds to the Edenvale course, and it would be a disaster for the tournament if he has to withdraw.
With his back causing him severe pain, McIlroy was pleased to card the score he did.
“The middle part of my round was good as I started to see putts go in and I got some momentum. I’m disappointed with the way I finished, though, I felt like I hit a good shot on 17 but just pitched it too far. Then on 18 I was probably just trying to rush to get in with this weather closing in. The start and the finish weren’t good but everything in between was good, and being in contention going into the weekend is pretty good.”
Play was later suspended at 4.49pm, less than 10 minutes after McIlroy finished his round.