Rory McIlroy practices at Whistling Straits for PGA

World number one Rory McIlroy played a practice round Saturday at Whistling Straits as he prepares to defend his title next week at the 97th PGA Championship.

McIlroy suffered ligament damage in his left ankle playing football with friends last month and missed the chance to defend his British Open title at St. Andrews as well as this week`s World Golf Championships event at Firestone.

"@McIlroyRory on site for a practice round at #Whistling Straits," the PGA Championship tweeted along with a picture of Northern Irish star hitting a shot on the course.

McIlroy, who defeated Phil Mickelson by a shot last year at Valhalla, arrived in the morning and took part in a full exercise regimen as prescribed by doctors before hitting a shot.

McIlroy is set to play in Thursday`s opening round in an afternoon group with reigning Masters and US Open champion Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson, who won the British Open.