McIlroy looks to future after more struggles
Reigning US Open champion Rory McIlroy began looking ahead to two weeks of rest and next month's European Masters on Saturday after strugging to a four-over 74 at the PGA Championship.
McIlroy suffered a sprained right wrist tendon in Thursday's first round when he struck a root with his second swing on the third hole, but he produced a 70 despite the sore wrist and has been unable to match it since.
"It's fine," McIlroy said. "Just have it wrapped to give it a little more support but it's definitely feeling better. I can feel it but it shouldn't be an issue.
"My wrist hurt the most on Thursday when I did it and I shot the best score, so maybe I shouldn't have went and got it strapped up."
The 22-year-old Northern Irishman stood on seven-over 217 after 54 holes at Atlanta Athletic Club with four bogeys in his first seven holes.
"I couldn't get my speed at all an the greens. Struggled with it all week," McIlroy said. "Just wasn't meant to be. It has been a bit of a frustrating week. I'm disappointed I've not been able to play my best but I'm optimistic.
"I haven't shot under par this week, so it will be a good effort to go out and do that tomorrow."
McIlroy plans to rest and let a sore right arm muscle heal before going to Switzerland for the European Masters.
"Might not actually hit balls until I get to Switzerland but I give myself the best chance if I just rest," McIlroy said. "There are a few more events and it would be great to win a couple more. I want to try to end the season well.
"Even though I won one tournament, it was a major, but I still want to win a few more times to call this season a success."
Still, McIlroy said he had no regrets about going for the tricky shot that led to his injury. In order to try and save a stroke, he tried in vain to release the club after hitting the ball but before striking a tree root.
"Looking back on it, it probably wasn't the right thing to do," McIlroy said. "But if I had been in that position again and not knowing what's going to happen, I probably would have done the same thing."
McIlroy said that was the turning point of his week but would not blame the injury for all his woes this week.
"I don't want to make any excuses," McIlroy said. "I just haven't played good enough."