Rory's rib injury threatens Masters prep

Rory McIlroy's hopes of a fast start to the new golfing year have been shattered by his latest injury setback, and it has put a serious dent into his carefully laid plans to get his game peaking for another assault on an elusive Masters victory.

Heavy testing periods with new equipment have been blamed for the injury, and his hard–core gymn routines have also come under scrutiny. But either way, he won't be teeing it up today at the season opener in Abu Dhabi, and his presence at the Dubai Desert Classic at the begining of February must also be doubtful.

The Masters is the one major that Rory has yet to get his mitts on, and he needs it to become only the sixth golfer to achieve the career grand slam. 

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