RORY McILROY has been granted special approval to remain in golf’s Race to Dubai rankings and also take part in the final event of the year there due to the “exceptional circumstances” he has endured this summer.

The Northern Irishman was forced to withdraw from the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, the Open Championship and the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational after damaging ankle ligaments in July playing football with friends.

European Tour regulations state a player must participate in 13 tournaments in a season if they are to be eligible for both the Road to Dubai and the Final Series there in November. Chief executive Keith Pelley, however, has waived the rule for the world number one to allow him to continue to compete. McIlroy, who claimed The Race to Dubai crown in 2014 and is currently leading the 2015 rankings, will play just three more events, taking him to 12 for the year, to avoid putting undue pressure on his ankle as he continues his rehabilitation.

Pelley said: “These are exceptional circumstances and I have taken this situation and the resulting decision very seriously. I have spent the last two weeks examining every angle and every possible solution and I have spoken with Rory and his team, as well as independent medical advisers and some prominent players.

“After reviewing and discussing all the medical reports and recommendations from Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Adair, physiotherapist Dr Steve McGregor and our Chief of Medical staff Dr Roger Hawkes – while at the same time recognising that Rory is a world golfer with global commitments – I am convinced that he could not commit to any further tournament participation without risking further injury and persistent weakness to the ankle in the future.

“Therefore, after lengthy discussions, I have given him approval to play a minimum of 12 European Tour events this year.”

Dr Roger Hawkes added: “From the evidence presented to me, in my view this is a potentially serious and significant injury. There is a risk of permanent instability of the ankle which could seriously affect both his golf swing - you need stability in the left ankle during the follow through – and for walking safely on uneven surfaces.

“Although he played again after a few weeks, he will need close attention for about a year. The suggestion of a reduced schedule and, wherever possible, avoiding ‘back to back’ events is, in my opinion, sensible and important to allow adequate healing and reduce the chance of the complications mentioned which could clearly jeopardise his career.