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Scratch that: Rory McIlroy will not play practice round at PGA host

We don't know if Rory McIlroy will play in the final major of the year, and now we're more confused than ever.

A Monday Reuters report cited a source saying McIlroy will play a Saturday practice round at Whistling Straits, site of next week's PGA Championship. However, a Tuesday report by Irish Golf Desk contradicts that, quoting a McIlroy spokesman saying no practice round has been scheduled.

"Not booked for such a round," said McIlroy spokesman Terry Prone. "Still going through the ankle rehab process."

McIlroy missed the British Open last month at St. Andrews after he suffered a ruptured ligament in his left ankle during a July 4 soccer game. In announcing he would miss the first of two 2015 major title defenses, McIlroy said he wouldn't play again until completely ready.

The four-time major winner is also skipping his title defense at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational this week.

McIlroy has never divulged an intended timetable for his return, nor disclosed the true severity of his injury. That has invited a wide range of speculation on when McIlroy might return to the PGA Tour.

McIlroy won last year's PGA Championship at Valhalla in Kentucky by a shot over Phil Mickelson. When the PGA was last contested at Whistling Straits in 2010, McIlroy finished tied for third with Zach Johnson, behind eventual playoff winner Martin Kaymer.


Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor. Find him on Facebook and Twitter.