I will convert the provided text into a clear, engaging, and well-structured news article suitable for an international audience.

Rory McIlroy to Compete in BMW PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy, the current leader of the Race to Dubai standings, will participate in the upcoming BMW PGA Championship, which takes place from September 19 to 22 at Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water, Surrey. The event marks the 2024 BMW PGA Championship, with McIlroy looking to make a strong impression.

In a pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy addressed his recent struggles with a "nasty cough" and how it has affected his physical health. "I’m okay, I feel a bit better than I was yesterday," he said. "Poppy’s had a cough for a couple of weeks, and I think I got it from her last week. Started feeling pretty rough on Monday and Tuesday, so I went to the doctor, and I’m on a course of antibiotics. I feel energy-wise, I’m better than I did yesterday, but yeah, I’ll be a bit wheezy this week, but nothing I can’t handle."

McIlroy’s recent performance at the Amgen Irish Open was a close second to Rasmus Hojgaard, who won by one stroke. McIlroy expressed his thoughts on the tough loss, saying, "I think there may be a misconception that it hit me harder than it maybe did. You know, I didn’t really feel like I necessarily lost the tournament. I felt like Rasmus went out and won it. Shot 31 on the back nine."

The Northern Irish golfer will tee off alongside Justin Rose and Ryan Fox at 3:40 a.m. ET on Thursday.

Rory McIlroy’s Performance in 2024

McIlroy has had an impressive 2024 season, with two wins and seven top-10 finishes in 19 starts on the PGA Tour. He tied for ninth in the FedExCup standings and has one win and two close finishes on the DP World Tour.

Here’s a look at McIlroy’s performances in the 2024 season:

• 2023-24 DP World Tournaments: T2 in the Dubai Invitational, 1st in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, and 2nd in the Amgen Irish Open
• 2024 OLY Golf (M) Tournaments: T5 in the Olympic Men’s Golf Competition
• 2024 PGA TOUR Tournaments: T66 in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, T24 in the Genesis Invitational, T21 in the Cognizant Classic, T21 in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, T19 in the THE PLAYERS Championship, 3rd in the Valero Texas Open, T22 in the Masters Tournament, T33 in the RBC Heritage, 1st in the Wells Fargo Championship, T12 in the PGA Championship, T4 in the RBC Canadian Open, T15 in the Memorial Tournament, 2nd in the U.S. Open, T4 in the Genesis Scottish Open, and Missed Cut in The Open.

Conclusion

Rory McIlroy will be a force to be reckoned with at the upcoming BMW PGA Championship. Despite his recent struggles with a "nasty cough," McIlroy remains confident and focused on making a strong impression in the tournament. With his impressive performance in 2024, fans can expect a thrilling competition at Wentworth Golf Club.