Rory McIlroy has raised hopes he could play at the PGA Championship next week, posting a video in which he hits a driver off the tee.
McIlroy ruptured ligaments in his left ankle when playing soccer last month and has been absent from competitive action since, missing out on the chance to defend his British Open title at St. Andrews.
MORE: Recent PGA Championship winners | Tournament begins Aug. 13
His latest tournament absence is this week's WGC-Bridgestone Invitational — another tournament he won in 2014. On Wednesday, McIlroy posted a video clip of his rehab work while using a medicine ball and turning on the repaired ankle.
An update on his condition was expected Thursday. The latest clip suggests a return to action might not be far away.
In the video, McIlroy is seen with his ankle taped, cleanly hit a shot with his driver. He appears pain-free as he completes a full swing.