MCILROY QUITS OVER PAINFUL TOOTH

Rory McIlroy has issued an apology after pulling out of the Honda Classic in Florida after playing 8 holes in the second round.

The world No 1 was suffering severe tooth ache from a  wisdom tooth as he covered his first eight holes at PGA National in seven over par before finding further trouble at the 8th and walking off.

The PGA Tour soon confirmed that McIlroy withdrew due to "severe wisdom tooth pain affecting concentration", and the defending champion later issued his own statement on the matter.
"I sincerely apologise to The Honda Classic and PGA TOUR for my sudden withdrawal," McIlroy said. "I have been suffering with a sore wisdom tooth, which is due to come out in the near future.
"It began bothering me again last night, so I relieved it with Advil. It was very painful again this morning, and I was simply unable to concentrate. It was really bothering me and had begun to affect my playing partners.
"I came here with every intention of defending my Honda Classic title. Even though my results haven't revealed it, I really felt like I was rounding a corner.
"This is one of my favorite tournaments of the year and I regret having to make the decision to withdraw, but it was one I had to make."