The 20-year-old struggled through the first two rounds at Sun City with an illness that he apparently picked up at last week’s World Cup in China!

His withdrawal is of course very disappointing news for his fans and for Rory himself, who was in 12th place after the second round.

At least he can now kick back, relax, enjoy Sun City and put his $200 000 prizemoney – that he will receive for finishing last, despite just playing two rounds – to good use on the slot machines.

Meanwhile Richard Sterne was left to play by himself, following McIlroy’s withdrawal, but if anything it seemed to help his game. Sterne carded four consecutive birdies on the front nine.