McIlroy quickly pulled out of this week’s Scottish Open at Gullane and it was immediately clear that the extent of the injury made it highly unlikely that he would be able to tee off in the Open championship first round next Thursday.
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McIlroy ruptured ligaments in his ankle while playing pickup soccer last week. If he is forced to change his swing in order to accommodate the lingering consequences of this injury, those long arcing shots that are his trademark could be a thing of the past, even after the original injury is healed.
Rory McIlroy won’t be back to defend his title in the British Open.
Kuchar is one of several American PGA Tour regulars in the Scottish Open field this week, along with Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker – all of whom are using it as preparation for next week’s Open. I thought it was one of the greatest stories in all of sports in the history of any sport.
“But the quicker you get it sorted the better and it looks like Rory has done that”. Had he injured himself skydiving or bungee jumping, I would say yes.
McIlroy is also reigning PGA champion and will hope to be fit to play at Whistling Straits, with the tournament starting next month on August 13.
McIlroy’s Open absence will be a blow to television firms, sponsors and golfing spectators who have been excited by a burgeoning rivalry with Jordan Spieth.
“It’s a tough question, middle of the season, before a major championship… hindsight is a wonderful thing”, he added.
Ben Hogan won the Open in 1953 and did not play the following year.
Spieth needs to finish in the top six at this week’s John Deere Classic and win the Claret Jug at St. Andrews to take over the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking, reported by Golf Channel. Everybody does. It’s unlucky, it’s unfortunate and I’m sure he’s taking it harder on himself than anybody else.
McIlroy’s Ryder Cup teammate Graeme McDowell said the Holywood man will be “gutted” to be missing out on the title defence. I didn’t feel like anything he (McIlroy) was doing was unnecessary risk.
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“I guess living in the Bahamas now it’s what the locals do and what a few of my friends do. I wouldn’t change anything I’m doing based on anything that’s happened”.
