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Rory McIlroy is out of WGC-Bridgestone Invitational through injury.

Doubts over Rory McIlroy playing in the US PGA have increased after the injured world number one withdrew from next week’s WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

The Northern Irishman, who ruptured an ankle ligament earlier this month, is the defending champion in both events.

Medical experts suggested the 26-year-old could face three months out and he confirmed yesterday that he would not compete at Firestone Country Club.

The year’s fourth and final major is held a week later at Whistling Straits.

McIlroy sustained a “total rupture” of the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle while playing football with friends on July 4.

The four-time major winner was forced to miss the Scottish Open and the defence of his Open title at St Andrews.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be defending my World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational title,” McIlroy said in a statement from tournament organisers yesterday.

“Best of luck to all the competitors and I look forward to returning to Firestone in 2016.”

Meanwhile, time is fast running out for Tiger Woods to salvage what he describes as a “frustrating” PGA Tour season after three missed cuts, a withdrawal and just one top-25 finish in eight starts.

The former world number one has plummeted to a mind-boggling 266th in the rankings, making him ineligible for next week’s elite WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio where he has triumphed a record eight times.

Woods attributes his woes to a “perfect storm” of trying to work through the latest swing change of his career while still recovering from back surgery, but he said on Tuesday things were “starting to come together”.—BBC.