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• Rory McIlroy granted special permission to play Race to Dubai
• Won’t meet the minimum number of 13 events required to compete
• “I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12,” said Keith Pelley

RORY MCILROY | RACE TO DUBAI

Defending Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy has been granted permission to play in this year’s final series – despite not meeting the minimum number of 13 events required to compete.

The 26-year-old, who is currently leading the 2015 rankings, has been given special dispensation by the European Tour after rupturing ankle ligaments in early July, which forced him to miss the Scottish Open, the Open and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Participating in those three events would’ve comfortably seen Rory McIlroy – who has so far played nine tournaments on the 2015 European Tour schedule – meet the ‘13 tournaments per season’ rule stipulated under the tour’s membership.

“I have taken this situation and the resulting decision very seriously” – Keith Pelley

But with the world No.1’s global commitments including the FedEx Cup – where he participates in the Deutsche Bank Championship this week – chief executive Keith Pelley has revised his minimum obligation to 12 events.

“These are exceptional circumstances and I have taken this situation and the resulting decision very seriously,” said Pelley. “I have spent the last two weeks examining every angle and every possible solution and I have spoken with Rory and his team, as well as independent medical advisers and some prominent players.

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“After reviewing and discussing all the medical reports and recommendations from orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Adair, physiotherapist Dr Steve McGregor and our chief of medical staff Dr Roger Hawkes – while at the same time recognising that Rory is a world golfer with global commitments – I am convinced that he could not commit to any further tournament participation without risking further injury and persistent weakness to the ankle in the future.

“Therefore, after lengthy discussions, I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12 European Tour events this year.”

Despite Pelley commenting on Rory McIlroy not wanting to risk further injury, the Northern Irishman is likely to be playing in three out of the next four weeks, starting at TPC Boston before a week’s gap in the FedEx Cup will return with the BMW Championship, followed by the season-ending Tour Championship.

Rory McIlroy :: Special treatment?

Do you think Rory McIlroy has received special treatment from the European Tour regarding his participation in the Race to Dubai? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.

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