Masters champion Charl Schwartzel sympathises with Rory McIlroy in the decision of the reigning U. S. Open champion not to contest this week’s Thailand Golf Championship in Bangkok.

McIlroy is recuperating this week in Dubai after being diagnosed with possible dengue fever and a low white blood cell count.

He had been advised by a Dubai doctor not to travel to the Thai capital where former ISM stablemate Lee Westwood was running away with the event and on target to overtake McIlroy and move back to No. 2 in the world heading the the Christmas festive season.

Masters champion Charl Schwartzel sympathises with McIlroy's heavy post U.S. Open winning schedule.

Schwartzel created Augusta National history in birding his closing four holes to win the Masters after McIlroy imploded, indicated he also will seriously look at his future playing schedule given the Springbok has undertaken probably as much travelling this season as the young Ulsterman.

“I can totally understand what Rory is going through, totally,” said Schwartzel.

“You get to the stage where you’re playing too much golf but to be fair, Rory can play 52 weeks every year and I can play the same 52 weeks a year but will your body be fit enough to handle that.

“Playing too much golf means that you won’t be competitive and the first thing to go will be your competitiveness.

“Mentally, you won’t be fresh and the only way you can play your best is to be fresh. 

“But it’s year I would never want to change and I’m sure Rory feels the same.

“And don’t get me wrong as I am not complaining but this week is my ninth event in a row in eight different countries.

“To perform at my best is very difficult at this stage of the season.”