Charlotte, NC …

Four-time Major winning Rory McIlroy hinted he will embark on an extended end-of-season break to allow a nagging rib injury to properly heal.

McIlroy suggested the course of action after a third round 73 for a four-over par tally at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.

Rory McIlroy hints he will be taking an extended break from the game to allow his body to fully heal from an earlier season rib injury

The World No. 4 heads to the final day not only well out of contention but staring a third year in succession without a Major Championship trophy.

All McIlroy could wish for ahead of the final day was a first score of the week in red figures after indifferent scores of a pair of 72s and his third day 73.

“The goal now is I want to sign off on a positive note. It hasn’t been the week I wanted to. If I can finish in the red tomorrow, that could be a top-10”, he said.

“That’s a hollow victory in some sense but at least I would sign off on a positive note.”

McIlroy had indicated earlier in the week he will take next week off before heading to Old Westbury outside of New York for the August 24th starting Northern Trust.

However, McIlroy has now hinted the uncertainty of his fitness by revealing he continues to limit his off-course practice.

“It’s not a factor when I’m out on the course, but it’s a factor off the course in terms of how much time I can practice,” said McIlroy.

“It’s catch 22 because I want to play and I can play, but I can’t put the practice in that I need to to get myself up in contention.

“We’ll see where we go from here. I’ll play tomorrow and assess my options for the rest of the year. I’ve still got a few big tournaments left, so it’s a question of whether I play in all of them or take some time off to get 100 per cent healthy.”