Sport

Injured Rory McIlroy hits Holywood gym

Rory McIlroy (pictured) leaves the Virgin Active Health Club outside Holywood where his rehab is progressing
Rory McIlroy (pictured) leaves the Virgin Active Health Club outside Holywood where his rehab is progressing Rory McIlroy (pictured) leaves the Virgin Active Health Club outside Holywood where his rehab is progressing

While most of the world's top golfers are at St Andrew's preparing for the beginning of The Open tomorrow, Rory McIlroy continued his recovery from injury with a session at the gym.

The world's number one golfer was spotted at the Virgin Active Health Club just outside his home town of

Holywood

.

McIlroy ruptured an ankle ligament playing football with friends on July 4 and announced four days later he would not compete at

St Andrews

as he took a "long-term" view of the injury.

No date has been set for his return to competitive action.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke suggested that meant McIlroy would not return until "early next year" as he accepted an award on his fellow Northern Irishman's behalf at the Old Course on Tuesday.

But it is understood Clarke's comment was meant as a joke and a spokesman for McIlroy told Press Association Sport: "There was no basis for Darren's comments. Rory's rehabilitation is progressing well but his return date is not yet known."

McIlroy, who could be unable to defend the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on August 6 and the US PGA Championship the following week at Whistling Straits, will be replaced as world number one if Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth succeeds him as Open champion on Sunday.