Rory McIlroy back driving the ball in practice

Rory McIlroy has revealed the shocking extent of the injuries caused to his ankle – as he bids to return to action at next week’s US PGA Championship.

The Holywood golfer shared new pictures of his wounded ankle on Instagram on Thursday morning.

Given the nature of his injury, it’s been suggested that McIlroy will miss the rest of the season.

He was forced to withdraw from that tournament and the ensuing British Open, but with the final major of the year coming up, McIlroy appears to be readying to defend his PGA Championship title.

The PGA Championship doesn’t start at Whistling Straits until Monday, but you can get the chance to walk part of the grounds this weekend.

The world’s No. 1 player will be listed in the tee times that are released Friday.

But the Northern Irishman is clearly pleased with his progress with his latest video following another on Wednesday which showed him working in a gym without any apparent discomfort.

McIlroy, 26, won last year’s event by one stroke at Valhalla in Kentucky. “I’ve come a long way since”. “Products from all the top licensees in the industry, PGA championship logo product, and the small exclusive Ryder Cup line to celebrate 2020 coming to Whistling Straits”.

However, some experts, including Luke Kerr-Dineen of For the Win, who think Rory McIlroy needs to slow down and give his ankle time to heal properly.