Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy is confident he will be able to tee it up in the opening round of the WGC–HSBC Champions despite being laid low with a bout of food poisoning.
The World Number Three, who is due to join America duo Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson for the first two rounds at Sheshan International Golf Club, was forced to pull out of a photo stunt in central Shanghai on Tuesday. He then tried to practise on Wednesday morning, but subsequently withdrew from the pre-tournament Pro-Am due to ongoing abdominal pains.
Despite his illness, McIlroy is hopeful he will recover in time to continue his bid to clinch a third Race to Dubai crown in four years, having started the Final Series with a tied sixth place in last week’s Turkish Airlines Open.
“I’m not feeling great to be honest,” he said. “I had something (to eat) a couple of nights ago and yesterday wasn’t good at all.
“I thought I would be better this morning, but I had a piece of toast and a couple of bits of melon for breakfast and I came here and tried to hit some balls, but even just making a couple of swings my stomach was too sore. So I just need another day of rest and hopefully I will be better tomorrow and I can play.
“I was up from about 1am to 4am last night. The night before it didn’t start until about 4am, so it hasn’t been great. I’ve seen the doctor who has given me some antibiotics and something for the abdominal pain, plus some painkillers. I’ll be loaded up, so hopefully I will be OK.
“I was thinking of trying to play nine holes, but that would probably do me more harm than good. It would be nice to see the golf course before tomorrow, but I’ve played it a few times. I didn’t play last year but I know the place well and [my caddie] JP has been out there, so it is better that I rest and get my energy up for tomorrow.”
After recovering from the ankle injury that ruled him out of his Open Championship defence in July, McIlroy retains the top spot in the Race to Dubai and extended his advantage over nearest rival Danny WIllett with a largely promising display in Turkey last week.
And should he overcome his illness, the four-time Major Champion is looking forward to extending his impressive record in the WGC-HSBC Champions, having recorded four top six finishes in his four appearances to date.
“I’ve done well here every time I have played here,” he said. “I’ve not finished outside the top six, so it has been a really, really good tournament for me. I’ve not won it, but I’ve been close. Hopefully if I can get through the first couple of days and play OK, I’ll be feeling a lot better at the weekend and I can make a run at it.
“I played well in Turkey and I felt like my game was in good shape. I was a little bit disappointed with how I played on Sunday – I didn’t really capitalise on any of the chances I gave myself and started hitting my iron shots left, which cost me. It was nice to feel in contention again, and to feel that buzz and adrenaline of being in contention for a tournament. Hopefully I can get myself in that position again this week, but most importantly I need to get healthy first and if I can do that then concentrate on the golf.”
